Kapa haka communities across New Zealand are welcoming the end of the COVID-19 outdoor gathering restrictions when they kick in at midnight on Friday.
The move, however, is not taken lightly by leaders who want to continue health and safety measures so that there are no further disruptions for performers in the future.
It's been a tough couple of years with events cancelled, postponed or shortened due to COVID, but still, these secondary kids are singing their hearts out.
Organisers were determined the 47th Polyfest would go ahead with no crowds and no option but online.
And although the COVID rules change at midnight that's just not enough time to arrange for people to come tomorrow.
"It takes six to eight weeks to get a permit to do the kind of festival that we are doing so regardless if it [Government decision] came a week ago or two weeks ago it wouldn’t have mattered," ASB Polyfest Director Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu says.
But what has mattered are performers finally getting on stage to express their identity.
"We are talking about thousands of hours invested for 25 minutes on stage, 25 minutes for that time they immortalize themselves in that space," Kapa Haka judge Ruki Tobin says.
Polyfest host Ngā Puna o Waiōrea says with Secondary School’s regional and national events set over the coming months, students' safety and well-being will be front of mind.
"It’s not the ideal it’s not what we are used to but it’s to ensure a venue for our tamariki to participate and achieve within Te Ao Haka (the Kapa Haka world)," Ngā Puna o Waiōrea principal Chris Selwyn says.
Meanwhile, Te Matatini’s defending champions Ngā Tūmanako have been behind vaccination campaigns since the pandemic began.
Kawariki Morgan is among hundreds of performers awaiting next year’s biennial National Kapa Haka Festival which has already been postponed twice.
An event that draws more than 50,000 spectators.
"It’s pretty much a professional sport and that’s the commitment, the time and the energy,
what goes into that stage," Morgan says. "For some groups, it’s 6-7months of hard work."
"When we look at kapa haka it’s the opportunity to enter into the Māori world an opportunity to engage with te reo Māori, Tikanga Māori look at the world through a Te Ao Maori vision," Tobin says.
A world that is hoping not to be stopped by COVID anymore.
This article is part of Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.
