Te Mire Ura 2025 Potiki, Tamariki (junior) and Taurekareka (intermediate) Tauranga Vananga culture dance competition was a proud, exhilarating, and memorable event for the more than 1000 strong audience on Wednesday night.

For most of the 32 performers, this event was their first time on stage to individually showcase their passion, pride and skills on the national stage at Te Are Karioi Nui -National Auditorium.

The little Potiki dancers were amazing as they delivered their performances whole-heartedly. The boys gave it their all using their biggest voice for their pe’e (chant), while the girls danced beautifully to their selected songs.

Girls from Aitutaki proved they are dancers to be reckoned with scooping the top placings in the female Potiki section - Kitimira Moetaua, and juniors - Tungane Paerau.

Manaariki Charles Moetaua (Rakahanga Henua) placed first in the boys Potiki section, while Te King Kae (Mitiaro Enua) championed through to win the Junior boys title. Te King and his two brothers joined Te Mire Ura this year – hats off to their proud parents.

In the male section, Sounuu-Okiva Kaveao Gempton from Vaka Takitumu delivered a solid dance with finely tuned skills and technique.

In the female intermediate section, Liahona Taio from Atiu Enua delivered a stunning and effortless performance, deservedly taking home 1st prize. Liahona mentioned she was “feeling grateful and overjoyed” at the win, especially after taking a gap year from dancing on the national stage.

Taio comes from a family with a great passion and love for dancing and culture. Her older sisters Mary, Mona, and Tuvaine, are all former dance champions.

She said, “It felt amazing to be back doing what I love. There’s nothing like the energy, the lights, and the passion that comes alive on stage, my heart is full.” She added, “Growing up, my sisters instilled in me a deep passion and love for our culture and heritage. They paved the way, and I’m proud to carry that legacy forward.”

Taio is very grateful that the song she danced to in the competition was brought to life by her aunt, Katreena Smith.

“Her airy, soul-stirring voice gives me goosebumps every time. The song was inspired by this year’s theme—paying homage to my homeland and embracing the pride of where I come from. It was a heartfelt reminder of my roots, and hearing it sung with such emotion made it even more special,” said Taio.

She would like to acknowledge and thank her team behind the scenes who made this journey unforgettable: Neiomi Dash, talented costume designer, with the support of Tata and Tiah, Mary Taio - chaperone and choreographer your, Ambushia Mateariki - inspiring choreography and energy, and her parents Josh and Fonga Taio.

“My forever pillars - thank you for your love, support, and belief in us always. I’m truly blessed to be surrounded by such a powerful village.”

Te Mira Ura 2025 results are as follows:

Potiki Female Section: Best slow beat Kitimira Moetaua (Aitutaki Enua), Best fast beat - Kitimira Moetaua, Best costume Kitimira Moetaua; 1^st  Kitimira Moetaua, 2^nd  Raemaru Horn-Smith (Araura Enua e Oire Vaimaanga), 3^rd Moetua My Endless Love Ruarau (Nikao Sunday School e Apii Takitumu). Potiki Males Section: Best slow beat Manaariki Moeara (Rakahanga Henua), Best fast beat Manaariki Moeara, Best costume Manaariki Moeara; 1^st Manaariki Moeara, 2^nd Phareily Samson (Manhiki Henua e Oire Vaipae), 3^rd Lennox Tamarua Herman (‘Au’au Enua e Apii Nikao).

Juniors Female Section: Best slow beat Tungane Paerau (Aitutaki Enua), Best Fast beat Tungane Paerau, Best Costume Raya Pirangi (Mauke Enua); 1^st Tungane Paerau, 2^nd Trudeinus Tuaputa (Mauke Enua e Te Autu Performing Arts), 3^rd Raya Pirangi. Potiki Male section: Best slow beat Gabriel Tiaore (Oire Nikao), Best fast beat Te King Kae (Mitiaro Enua), Best costume Te King Kae. 1^st Te King Kae, 2^nd Gabriel Tiaore, 3^rd Teaka Pauka (Vaka Puaikura).

Intermediate Female Section: Best slow beat Liahona Taio (Atiu Enua), Best fast beat Liahona Taio, Best costume Liahona Taio; 1^st Liahona Taio, 2^nd Pururangi Mataiti (Aitutaki Enua), 3^rd Tarita Thompson (Oire Nikao e Vaka Puaikura). Intermediate Male Section: Best slow beat Sounuu Gempton (Vaka Takitumu), Best fast beat Teraeuna Tuakeu, Best costume Sounuu Gempton; 1^st Sounuu Gempton, 2^nd Teraeuna Tuakeu (Aitutaki Enua), 3^rd Ngatokorua Simpson Jnr (Vaka Puaikura e Apii Nukutere).