Hailing from Rangitāne, Te Piringa was formed in 1999. Their mission statement is to enjoy kapa haka in all its entirety and to represent Manawatū-Horowhenua whānau, iwi, hapū and all schools with honour and integrity.
Te Piringa is no stranger to the national kapa haka stage. Their first stand was in 2000. They then stood in 2002, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014.
The four koru on their kākahu represent the four schools that make up this rōpū. They are; te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Mana Tamariki, Palmerston North Boys High School, Palmerston North Girls' High School and Freyberg High School.
This year, the group is tutored by kaitātaki tāne Skie Pene and kaitātaki wahine Rereao Taite.
Tutors include Te Utanga Tautuhi, Rongomai Taiapa-Aporo, Pita Savage, Tipene Waihi, Tegan Hautapu, Nigo Maruera, Heni Pewhairangi, Ora Taukamo, Tina Blake-Ponga and Mahinaarangi Kerehoma.
Te Piringa has chosen to share with us their Waiata-ā-ringa, E Kata Nei te Pō, a song that pays homage to a father figure of the group, Dawson Tamatea.