Dunstan High school kapa haka roopu (group) of 50 students have been preparing all term to take to the stage for a cultural set at Invercargill’s Polyfest this week (August 21 -25).

Their set is made up of four waiata and one haka and residents can view it via livestream on the event website on Thursday August 24 at 3pm.

DHS teacher Shelly Sanders - a driving force in the kapa haka group coming together four years ago - said she is “incredibly proud” of the students commitment to practising and learning the cultural performances.

“This year's kapa haka is the biggest we’ve ever had... and we’ve got a really great group of students.” 

DHS year 13 student Pania Geary said it had been a “massive journey” for her to go through her schooling and have the connection with the group from year nine until her final year at secondary school. 

She said she enjoyed learning new waiata and was “very excited” about the upcoming trip to Invercargill.

Watch a short clip of kapa haka practice here. VIDEO: The Central App

Student Myah Turnbull said she was sad this year would be her last year being involved in the DHS kapa haka.

“[It’s] about inspiring new ones in the group to step up.

Myah said her tips for the upcoming performance were to think positively and have some quiet time before they go on stage.

Mīharo Murihiku Polyfest 2023 is held at ILT Stadium Southland, it involves more than 6,000 performers and tens of thousands of spectators in person and online. 

Groups take part from early childhood centres through to secondary schools from Ōtākou and Murihiku. 

This year there will be a Central Lakes Polyfest at the Queenstown Events Centre in October. The DHS kapa haka will also be honing their skills to take part in this two day cultural performing arts event. 

On behalf of the group Myah thanked teachers Shelly Sanders and Johni Rutene for their support and also Uruuruwhenua and DHS Maori Committee. 

Mīharo Trust has been running the event since it’s first year in 2009 and it has become a cultural institution in the South celebrating all aspects of Pacific culture. 

Alexandra’s St Gerards School is also participating in Polyfest. The Central App will publish their story later this week.