Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Puau Te Moananui a Kiwa and Te Wharekura o Manurewa will perform in Pool A of the ASB Polyfest this year, after a journey which started in Pool C two years ago.
The Principal of Te Wharekura o Manurewa, Maahia Nathan says they found it difficult to break into the top pool with small numbers but eventually they got there, "We got to Pool B and then last year's win enables us to compete in the same league as some of the top kapahaka schools in Auckland."
Tutor Waimiria Tutangaehe feels it's all about attitude, "Although they'll be coming up against big schools like Waiorea, Waititi, AGGS and others, I try to encourage my students to remain confident. They too can achieve the same goals."
And Maahia Nathan says the aim is to remain at this level, "Our ultimate goal is not be relegated back to Pool B next year."