A group of kapa haka students has been practising around the clock in preparation for opening Auckland's biggest celebration of Pacific culture.
About 30 pupils from Western Springs College (Nga Puna o Waiorea) will launch the Pasifika Festival on Friday night.
They earned the honour of opening the show when they won the Maori stage at last year's ASB Polyfest.
For weeks, the school site has been buzzing with the roopu (group) polishing its moves.
The tumuaki rumaki at the college, Lorrin Shortland, says the students' devotion to duty is outstanding.
She says she's impressed with the their commitment, the hours they've put in and their focus - in addition to doing their academic work and sports.
