Tai Wānanga is new to the national stage. Established in 2015, they placed third at the Tainui Secondary Schools' Regional Competition.
Their mission statement and core values are Kia tū, Kia ora, Kia Māori.
The designs on the group's kākahu highlight the youthfulness and athleticism of these taiohi who train every day before school. The shades of blues and greens connect the taiohi to the various tidal patterns that reflect the different phases of life and how these are forever evolving.
Tai Wānanga's kaitātaki tāne is Raniera Koopu. Their kaitātaki wahine is Raninikura Waitai-Henare.
Their tutors are Tiria and Dan Waitai, Taeli Morrison and Nellie-Ann Johnstone.
This year Tai Wananga has chosen to share with us their whakaeke, E Tū Raukura. A song that acknowledges Ngāti Kahungunu.