Day one is often a daunting day to take the stage at Te Matatini especially for new entrants.
Te Kāea was fortunate enough to get up close and personal national stage first timers Kataore from Te Arawa as they prepared to take the stage.
The gathering before performances was very much the calm before the storm. Kataore members preparing each other to represent Ngāti Pakiao and Te Arawa waka.
Piripi Christies however exuded confidence saying “we're ready to enter the heat of battle, on the grounds of Rangipare.”
The group held its composure well in the lead-up and an interesting aspect with many of the performers was the fact that they were former students of the tutor.
The group’s tutor Ricky Bishop said “about 25 of my former pupils are in this group and the majority have finished school furthering their education at institutions, but 10 of them are still at secondary school.”
Running through their bracket for the last time was a way of settling the butterflies.
Before the final performance and fruition of their efforts was realised.
Following the performance the first call for Mr Bishop was to thank the parents, partners and families of group members who looked after the children.
He also made sure to mention that this was only the beginning for Kataore and like everyone else, they would be waiting impatiently for the results to be read out on Saturday to find out who had made it to the top nine.
Reporter: Mere McLean