Whangarei Intermediate win Stage Challenge (+pics)

Whangarei Intermediate School achieved a rare double by clinching a youth performing arts' event on its debut in the competition.

Lead female Lakiesha Cummings and her male counterpart Manasseh Turner led a group of more than 50 students in a stunning display titled Tangaroa, or sea in Maori, during the Stage Challenge at the Forum North on Thursday evening.

The school beat six others - Whangarei Girls and Boys' High, Kamo High, Bream Bay College, Kerikeri High, and Dargaville High in the open division.

Teacher Susan McDiarmid said it was a huge achievement and gave credit to her students who sacrificed their lunch and after-school times to prepare for New Zealand's largest and longest-running youth performing arts event.

She said a performing arts' curriculum and an enrichment programme where children who have had a taste of performing arts could undertake, helped in their performance.

The school is now preparing for Aims' Games in Tauranga in September where it will send a hip hop and a cheer team.

Design judge at the Stage Challenge, Ian Page, said Whangarei Intermediate's was a beautifully-told story with wonderful presentation.

Whangarei Girls' High School came second with its powerful and cohesive performance, The Insanity Inside, while Kerikeri High was third.