Turanganui Kapa Haka Festival

Kia ora, yesterday ( the 20th of November) our school was lucky enough to head to the Turanganui Kapa Haka festival. It was held at the Gisborne A & P showgrounds. The girls had to put on our dresses, get our Moko kauae done and apply black lipstick before we were able to leave. We had to be careful that nothing smudged while we were eating and drinking. 

Girls poi

As we walked onto the stage the crowd went wild and cameras flashed. Hunter (our kaea) started our pepeha. Then Haramai a paoa. After we sang and did our actions to Ka pioioi. Then it was time for the poi the moment I had most been looking forward to. So much time and effort had gone into this and it was finally my time to shine. "poi kamau" Yelled Matiria. In time with everyone else I pulled out my poi. Then she called Purianei toru wha. We began swinging our poi. As we finished I beamed with pride I had done it!  

We kept progressing through our bracket. Utaina, Ka mate (haka), Wainui e and to finish E honore. All up our time on stage lasted around fifteen minutes. Although we weren't on for very long it felt like ages. Over all I would give the experience a five out of five stars. I really enjoyed myself. I wonder if my intermediate will  have a Kapa Haka group.

Here are some photos:

Pepeha

Haramai a paoa

Boys Haka