Established in 2002, Te Tira Whakaau is made up of two kura, Wainuiomata High School and Heretaunga College.
The group carries with them the mission statement, "Aspire, inspire. Kia hao, Kia awe".
Te Tira Whakaau has performed at three previous national competitions in the past and have performed twice overseas in America, Hawaii and LA.
The design on the tira's kākahu depicts the connection back to Papatuanuku and highlights the group's identity. The three diamonds represent where they are from, who they are and what their iwi affiliations are.
Tutors this year are Mataruanga Te Rauna, Riana Atama- Adams, Jullian Henare-Butler and Joanne Ruawai-Hawira.
This year their waiata tira 'Tērā ngā kura kua riro tītapu' acknowledges a former kaihaka of the group who passed away.
Te Tira Whakaau has chosen to share with us their whakawātea, "He tūnga hou kua rewa i te pae."