Rākaumangamanga of Te Wharekura o Rākaumanga represents the Waikato rohe and they have been competing at a national level since it's establishment by Ned Koopu, Hans Tiakiwai and Kirimaaku Kihi in 1994.
King Tūheitia and his family are among the masses who have converged on the venue to watch this talented school perform.
Ora and Leilani Kihi as well Kirimaaku Kihi are the tutors this year who say the group was established to help instill and maintain te reo me ōna tikanga in its students as well as the values of the Kīngitanga Movement.
The group is led this year by their kaitātaki wahine, Ngawaihonoitepo Paki, and their kaitātaki tāne, Khaysharn Kingi Takoko.
Today they dedicated their poi to Keriana Whati, a well known figure in kapa haka, who passed away earlier this year.
Here is the whakaeke of Rākaumangamanga which commemorates the 150 year anniversary of the Battles at Rangiriri, Ōrākau, Rangiaowhia, Pukehinahina and Te Ranga.
A tribute to those who lost their lives due to raupatu by the Government.
E ai ki a Rākaumangamanga - "Aotearoa! Kia mau ki te pito o te Hinengaro, hei ake ake tuu!"