A spirited and enthusiastic 100-member team will be representing Tereora College (Vaka Tereora Team) in their first ever Te Maeva Nui cultural festival this week.

The national college was invited to the annual event by Ministry of Cultural Development’s Robert Ioaba at the beginning of term two.

Tereora College principal Teremoana Ngaau said they invited interested students to join the team, and they managed to put together 100 dancers, drummers and singers for the cultural show.

They have been preparing for about 10-12 weeks under the guidance of Tereora College staff Merle Pukerua and Benjamin Patia. The students prepared during their free time in the afternoons to avoid clashes with their classes.

Ngaau said they were looking forward to bringing the “wow factor” to the stage this week.

Vaka Tereora Team will be participating in all six categories starting with the Imene Tuki and Choir tonight followed by the Ute and Kapa Rima and Pe’e and Ura Pa’u on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

The other teams competing in this year’s Te Maeva Nui are Vaka Puaikura, Mangaia, Atiu, Pukapuka/Nassau as well as Manihiki and Rakahanga, who have combined and will be performing under the banner of Te Fuinga O Niva.

All performances will be held at Te Are Karioi (National Auditorium). The opening night on Monday (today) will feature imene tuki and choir. On Tuesday, August 1, the much-anticipated International Night will be held, and Wednesday and Thursday nights will have the main cultural performances from the six participating teams. The closing ceremony and prizegiving awards will be held on Constitution Day, Friday, August 4.