Te Rōpū Manaaki of Western Heights High School represents Te Arawa waka and this is their eighth time on performing at the national competitions.
Established in 1987, by Angus Douglas the group was formed as a vehicle to assist in learning and maintaining te reo me ōna tikanga through the art of haka.
The tutors for the group are Dan Vaka, Hiria Vaka, Hoānatītia Tuhakaraina, Faith Flavell and Taumata Soloman.
Leading the group on stage today are Puahaere Vaka as kaitātaki wahine and Te Rangimōnoa Rangihau as kaitātaki tāne.
Here is their whakaeke dedicated to their great ancestor Te Roro o te Rangi who died in battle.
