"What we've done this year that's been different from previous years is that we've got our Kāhui Ako schools involved around this area, Tamahere, Tauwhare, Berkley, so that they were able to support Hillcrest High School in the pōwhiri," Mr Whiting said.
Students and the school's Whakaruru Hau committee have worked since term two to prepare for the occasion. Guests included Waikato-Tainui and Ngāti Hauā dignitaries.
"We've got a really dedicated group of staff around Māori achievement and tikanga within the school and relationships with Tainui and Ngāti Hauā have been at the forefront of organising this. A huge amount of work and effort has gone into this," Mr Whiting said.
The large crowd was lively and vocal in their support of those on the stage. Even though He Tai Ohinga Maro was not competitive the students performed with pride and exuberance.
"They want to do well, our students, like all schools do because they're showcasing their talents and capabilities…but also there's a little bit of competitiveness with other schools.
"Even though it's not a competition as such we all like to do the very best that we possibly can."
