A WELL-organised and popular Delamere Cup brought people together from across the Ōpōtiki district on Friday and Saturday.

It was held at the Ōpōtiki Deluxe Theatre instead of the usual Ōpōtiki College, which is undergoing renovations, meaning the performers and the audience enjoyed a full theatre experience with comfy seats and a professional light show.

Pare Mafi, Muriwai Hei and Thomas Mitai were hosts of the event, which was also livestreamed to a large screen in a tent outside the theatre because seating was limited inside.

Most of the event was about the young ones showcasing their creativity – and the grown-ups watching and being suitably impressed – but there was also a competetive element, the Delamere Cup.

The winners were Te Kura o Te Whānau ā Apanui. Together with runners-up, Te Kura o Waioweka and Te Kura Mana Māori o Whangaparaoa, they will represent the Delamere Cup rohe at the 2025 Te Mana Kuratahi Primary School Nationals in Tauranga Moana.

Organiser Jonnina Temple said although, at first, there was the challenge of finding a new venue, this year’s Delamere Cup was a huge success.

Challenging conditions required new health and safety and ambience solutions, along with an outside marquee theatre with big screen. “We had the audio of each performance broadcast on Live Radio and a livestream link available for whānau near and around the world to watch the performances,” Ms Temple said.

“A lot of extra organising was put in place to make this happen.”

The Delamere Cup committee is grateful to the Ōpōtiki Deluxe Theatre trustees for their support with the preparation of the event.

“The community of Ōpōtiki is fortunate to have this space; it’s underused and therefore we need to support our theatre in any way possible,” Ms Temple said.

“Thank you also must go to all our sponsors, volunteers, kaiwhakawā, caterers and other helpers.”

Ms Temple said it was crucial the Ōpōtiki community continued to uphold such  Māori cultural performances that supported not only the language and traditions of the performers, but also their identity.