Maori Competitions

Maori concert parties from the East Coast and Poverty Bay districts competed in the annual Maori Competitions before a packed audience in the Opera House last month.

A party from the Mangapapa Primary School, of both Maoris and pakehas, became the first city primary school to compete in the event, and accounted for themselves well by winning their section.

For many of the audience, the highlight of the night was the beautiful and polished performance by the guest artists, the Waihirere Maori Concert Party, who performed a stirring lament for elders who have died recently.

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In subdued light, the Waihirere group remember their elders

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A Mangatu junior girl performs with her pois before the glare of the footlights

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Waiting to go on stage.....Ria and Ata Kerekere