Roopu from 19 kura in the Eastern Bay are gathered in Kawerau this week to celebrate success, performance and hard work at the Rangitāiki Kapa Haka Festival.

The festival began yesterday and finishes this afternoon – with 1200 tamariki performing over the two days at the Ron Hardie Recreational Centre and 4000 whānau and spectators are expected.

Mataatua ki Rangitaiki Kapa Haka executive committee chairperson Teia Herewini said yesterday before the event started, she was looking forward to seeing the positive transformation kapa haka would bring to tamariki and mokopuna as they perform.

“Kapa haka is a vehicle that showcases success as Māori, bringing forth ngā taonga ā Hinerēhia, ā Tanerore and the tikanga Māori, and of course sharing our stories and kaupapa,” she said.

Thirty roopu from across the Eastern Bay of Plenty are performing in three categories, whakangahau, whakapakari, and whakataetae.

The whakataetae category will decide the four kura who will represent and compete at the Te Mana Kuratahi Primary Kapa Haka Nationals next year in Tauranga.

Performances start at 9am and run until 4pm, with groups from years one through to eight.

Te Kura o Te Pāoroa acting principal Ramia Honatana said they had sent six groups to represent their kura this year and had been practising since last term.

“For some of our five-year-olds, this is their first time participating,” she said.

She said roopu had been training since last term.

“We want to thank all and to acknowledge teachers, parents and students who have attended practices in the holidays, the weekends and after school.

“Without this level of commitment and support we wouldn’t be able to field this level of competition.”

Parking for the event is available outside the skatepark, the swimming pool, and in the town centre, with disability parking and a whare manaaki set up at the Cossi Club.

Tickets are $5, with free entry for children under five. Kai stalls are available throughout the event.