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Despite Cyclone Lusi's presence,
the Maori stage at Polyfest concluded on time over the weekend.
Pere Wihongi presents his special report
on the last day of competition.
The presence on stage was felt.
Schools gave their all in order to be crowned champions.
Despite the competition,
schools dedicated their performances to well-known Auckland haka expert
Raymond Whiti Tapene, aka Papa Bones.
He was a cheeky
and mischievous man.
Hardcase.
At the end of the day, he loved working with youth,
and at Auckland Girls' Grammar School (AGGS).
Although he may no longer be with us,
his lessons live on in his students.
Papa Bones was an expert at choral performances
and the schools paid tribute to him in this section.
The impact he's had on all of them is evident.
No matter what, he was always there for them,
in both good times and bad.
Papa Bones died of heart disease,
a theme that was touched on in AGGS' whakaeke.
There was a message aimed at Maori men aged 30 years and older
to go to the doctors
to look after themselves and their families.
Our youth want their Maori male role models
to be there for them, for us all.
This is the first time in years that the competition has been moved
from its usual location in Manukau to the Trust Stadium in Waitakere.
Last year's champs,
Nga Puna o Waiorea (Western Springs College),
were victorious again.
Hoani Waititi were runners up.
And Papa Bones' AGGS team rounded out the top three.
Pere Wihongi, Te Karere.