It was the children along with Māori performing arts that assembled today’s crowd.
Te Mana Kuratahi came to an end with the announcement of the competitions winners.
But for some of today’s supporters, it was the hard work and effort these youngsters put in that captured their attention.
According to Maia Wharekura, “I have come here to support everyone, no matter where they are from; I support what they have done on stage.”
However, it was the sweet voices of Manutuke School who wowed the audience as they paid tribute to the late Parekura Horomia in their action song.
Horomia was a prominent figure from the East Coast who passed away early this year, and will never be forgotten by those of Manutuke.
Taha Steward of Manutuke says, “We are still mourning him, he was from Te Āitanga a Hauiti, from Te Āitanga a Hauiti comes Tumaurirere, from him came Rongowhakāta so they remain our seniors.”
The next Te Mana Kuratahi will be held in Manawatu 2015.
Te Mana Kuratahi 2013 overall winners:
1st - Te Wharekura o Rakaumangamanga
2nd - Te Kura Takawaenga o Maeroa
3rd - Te Wharekura o Ngāti Rongomai
