Far Norths Got Talent 2018 Finals

It was a night to remember as Far North’s most talented rangatahi took to the stage and impressed an audience with exceptional performances of song and dance.

The inaugural “Far North’s Got Talent” held on Saturday 25 August 2018, hosted by Luke Bird and Kihi Ririnui and judged by Tina Cross, Pere Wihongi, Majic Paora and Jason Kerrison, had 11 finalists who had originally been cut from 40 contestants.

Organiser Micah Tawhara said the show was organised due to the lack of opportunities for rangatahi to share their talents with the community.

There was a wide range of entertainment from hip-hop dance group “HUSH” who placed first in the senior section and the comedic yet soulful duo Zentrage from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori  o Pukemiro coming in second.  Pukemiro also cleaned up the crowd favourite award for the evening with the lovely Te Aroha Pawa.

But it was the roots of kapa haka that came out tops in the junior section as nine-year-old Taimania Conrad wowed the audience with her solo medley leaving Taipa Area school student Tiare Lanigan to come in at a close second.

Taimania Conrad’s mother, Catherine Conrad said from start to finish the experience was outstanding as all the contestants had the opportunity to work closely with a team dedicated to bringing out the talents of the children.

“She knew what she wanted to do and how it was to go.  She learnt so much and made some great mates,” Conrad said.

The show wasn’t just about boosting talent on stage though as local youth group Arotahi were pulled in to help develop their production skills behind the scenes.

Stage manager Mihi Henare said they were taught how to coordinate, produce and run a professional event on a big stage.

“It was absolutely fantastic, even from backstage everything ran smoothly.  It’s just awesome to come away with a happy, bubbly feeling knowing the community have walked out with smiles on their faces. I’m very proud of our community,” she said.

Native affairs reporter and Judge, Pere Wihongi said it was a privilege to be invited to support his hometown and be given the opportunity to be able to contribute back.

“The value of these type of kaupapa is it brings out the potential in each competitor.  Being able to be involved doesn’t only influence the competitors but the whole community. It’s a nice, positive kaupapa for the community to contribute in any way that may be.

“I was absolutely blown away by all our performers but we were left speechless by our winners.  You could see the quality…and it was a good indication of where the talent is at and where that potential is heading.”

Follow this link to see each performance: https://tehiku.nz/te-hiku-tv/far-norths-got-talent-2018/