Te Wharekura o Māngere was formed by Te Kura Kaupapa Māori ā-Rohe o Māngere and is based in the Tāmaki Makaurau rohe.
Established in 2002 by the whānau of the kura, this is the 3rd time the group has hit the national stage.
According to the tutors, Juneea Silbery and Te Korou Whangataua, the theme of this year’s performance is an acknowledgement of Te Tairāwhiti, the hosts of the competition.
The kaitātaki wahine is Aroha Tutakiau-Mika (Ngāi Tūhoe, Rarotonga) and the kaitātaki tāne is Tuhikiterangi Berryman (Waikato, Rarotonga).
Here is their waiata ā-ringa, a tribute to one of the school's kaiako, Whaea Te Urupiua (Nan) Vaike (nee Te Moana) who passed away in February.
She was the Kaiārahi i Te Reo teacher who has nurtured students with little or no reo from age 5, who are now performing with confidence at wharekura level.
She was considered a mother figure to all of the school's students, who will always be remembered.