Central youngsters’ music, dance and drama acts received thunderous applause at the Dunstan Kāhui Ako performing arts event in Alexandra on Wednesday. 

Central Otago District Mayor Tim Cadogan was the master of ceremonies for the two hour long showcase. 

Mayor Tim said the performances were of such quality that it could be thought the students were of high school age, not primary school.   

After years of event cancellations, postponed performances and missed community gatherings due to Covid-19 restrictions, large numbers of whānau and friends gathered in the The Terrace School hall to support primary school students during the event. 

Many stayed for their school's 10 minute performance and then left to allow other school communities to take a seat.    

Watch a highlight video of some of the acts (seven minutes). VIDEO: The Central App

Sixteen items were included in the event, and they were a wide range of styles.

There was a localised version of the Six60 song Pepeha, including sign language by Alexandra Primary School, a clarinet duo from The Terrace School, and popular dance from those newest to school.

Almost the entire roll of Millers Flat school, 29 children (two students were absent) were on stage. 

Omakau School’s theatrical performance ‘No Girls Allowed’.

Local schools’ kapa haka groups were a key part of the event.

Dunstan High School, Millers Flat, The Terrace School, Poolburn School, Clyde School, St Gerard's School and the Ngā Kura o Haehaeata kapa haka (combined schools) all performed waiata and haka.

The performances were described by parents in the audience as polished, impressive and spine tingling.

Many of the groups have honed their skills at public events this year such as the New Zealand Principals Federation Conference, Blossom Festival, the NZ Merino Shears, Central Lakes and Murihiku (Southland) Polyfest. 

The Terrace School senior boys during a haka.

Dunstan Kāhui Ako (community of learning) is made up of nine local schools - Alexandra Primary, The Terrace School, St Gerard’s, Clyde, Omakau, Poolburn, St John’s Ranfurly, Millers Flat and Dunstan High School.

Clyde School did a ukulele and choir performance, along with kapa haka.

Alexandra Primary School (APS) juniors item was ‘Get ready for a dance off’.

Poolburn School kapa haka group, who due to their size and remoteness learn kapa haka through an online platform.

The Terrace School dancers were energetic during ‘Timber’.

Read more: Mana and learning from kapa haka group

Read more: Alexandra school to perform at Polyfest

Read more: Dunstan High School preparing for Murihiku Polyfest

PHOTOS/VIDEO: The Central App.