Te Wharekura o Hoani Waititi Marae represent the Tāmaki Makaurau rohe and this is their ninth time competing on the national stage.
The kapa haka was established in 1995 by Hare Rua and the families of the kura and marae to assist in maintaining te reo rangatira and tikanga Māori.
The tutors this year are Anna Berry-Tumoana, Jennifer Martin, Marama Gardiner, Makaira Berry, Mere-Arihi Pipi-Takoko, Gian Adams, Juneea Silbery, Te Korou Whangataua Roberts and Hare Rua.
Kaitātaki tāne Tuake Pohatu and kaitātaki wahine Khlani Paenga Hōhua-Hayward let the rōpū on stage.
The item the group has chosen to share is their whakaeke “Tēnei taku manu” composed by Te Korou Whangataua. The whakaeke pays tribute to Ngāti Kahungunu, recognising the connection between the iwi and one of their pinnacle leaders of Hoani Waititi marae, Sir Pita Sharples.