The annual Puanga Festival was held at Waitara on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October, and Girls' High students were entered in three areas.

Erin Benton, Hamony Karikari and Chrysolyte Ape Esera (all Year 10’s) sang in the Puanga Idol and were awarded third in this event.

The NPGHS Southern Seas Pasifika group were the guest item between the primary schools kapahaka and the secondary schools kapahaka competition. This was a special honour as they were the only Pacific Island group invited to perform. Emma Elunned (Year 10) proved to be a hit! Their costumes, singing and drumming were received well by the audience.

Wina Lafo Fuimaona (Year 13) was greeted with cheers when she came on with her sword and amazing costume and many kaumatua were clapping along, enjoying the island tunes.

Our Kapahaka were well presented in their costumes and performed in a semi circle for some items. Their puakana were spectacular and the boy’s haka was well supported by the crowd. The last item for the day was a large kapahaka group in the open competition which involved Kelsey Waitere, Chikaina Makatea, Tiana Matthews (Year 13’s) and Hamony Karikari (Year 10), performing for their WITT course in Maori performing Arts.

Hamony and Chikaina had a busy day with three performances each and Chikaina spoke to the MC as the leader of Southern Seas while Tiana represented our Kapahaka group confidently speaking with the MC.

All in all, the school performed admirably at the Puanga Festival. This event seems to grow larger every year, judging by both the number of school (and adult) teams entered, together with the big crowds which filled the Waitara Memorial Hall to capacity.