Te Kura Māori o Porirua of Te Whanganui-ā-Tara ki Ōtaki was established in 2009 by students and teachers of the kura. Today marks their third appearance to the secondary schools national stage.
While all its members link to various iwi and hapū across the country, the kura comes under the patronage of Ngāti Toarangatira iwi.
Tutored by teachers of Te Kura Māori o Porirua, the group's performance this year aims to reflect and acknowledge the achievements and strength of Ngāti Toa ancestors.
Today, their female leaders are Te Ata Arthur (Ngāti Toarangatira) and Arizona Collins (Ngāti Toarangatira, Ngāti Porou), and their male leader is Jericho Holland Tihore (Ngāti Porou.
Their poi 'Nau Mai ki te Whakakitenga o Toarangatira', issues an invitation to visit Te Papa Tongarewa to view the Ngāti Toarangatira exhibition and learn about the history and significance of the taonga on display.