Pacifica Beats is a secondary school youth music competition in which students perform music that reflects their Maori and Pacifika cultural identity.

Unfortunately we had our solo artist pull out due to a tangi, but Kaitaia College had four groups perform along with one from Taipa Area School and one from Kamo High School.

Albert Laurence, John Ward and Tavita Loa were in the group “Northland Nesians” and were awarded a prize for their entertainment value.

Hona Witanga and Conan Grbich were the duo “TruBlu”. They won bags full on promo gear for being the producer’s favourite.

Jessica Pawa, Ryan Wright and Peter Kamira formed the group “Mana Aroha” and Jessica won $150 for the Women’s Musicianship Award.

It was Smoove’s (Harry Bennett, Troy Moses, Craig Matthews, Shanon Kelly, Alex Neho) second time competing at Pacifica Beats. They won $100 for having the best song and were placed first overall winning $300 cash and a professional mentoring workshop. They are also in with a chance of being selected as one of six national finalists which will be announced Friday 24 August.

The national final will take place at Auckland’s St. James Theatre on Saturday 22 September.

The organisers were very complimentary of Kaitaia College’s commitment to the Pacifica Beats and negotiations are taking place for the 2008 Northland regionals to be held in Kaitaia.

Thank you to Mr. Dawson, Mr. Waitai and Mr. Paitai for assisting the students with their Te Reo Maori. A huge thank you to Whaea Deborah Eddy for driving the van when no parents we able to help with transport.