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National | Kapa haka

Auckland schools prepare for upcoming kapa haka nationals

It may be school holidays for the students of Te Kura Kaupapa ā-rohe o Māngere, but there's no time to waste.

The school group is one of five representing Auckland and this year's competition will present a challenge with the introduction of the pool system in the competition format.

Willie Te Aho from Te Kura Wiwini, Te Kura Wawana, the event's organising committee, says, "There are a lot of teams competing over the three-day festival, so I think it would be great to have a final for the three top teams in each pool."

The feeling within the Auckland region is positive.

Representative teams Ngā Puna o Waiorea, Auckland Girls Grammar, Kia Aroha College, Massey High School, Te Wharekura o Hoani Waititi and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori ā-rohe o Māngere have formed a strong bond.

Ana Berry from Te Wharekura o Hoani Waititi says, "To stand strong together, to be confident from the time we leave Auckland until we arrive in Gisborne and to return home safely once the competition is over."

The Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Nationals begins on Tuesday, July 29, and the Auckland region is looking to make an impact.