The number of groups performing at the annual Marlborough Maori Performing Arts Festival, Taiopenga, has doubled since last year and the students, many of whom are returning performers, are twice as enthusiastic, festival organisers say.

Bohally Intermediate kapa haka and Te Reo Maori teacher Nan Chadwick said the levels of performances had intensified since 2011.

Twenty-three groups performed in the festival yesterday, with another 12 scheduled to perform today at the Clubs of Marlborough, in Blenheim.

The festival was stretched from one to two days to accommodate the 36 kapa haka groups from kohanga reo, early childhood learning centres, primary schools and colleges.

"The enthusiasm is double from 2011," Ms Chadwick said. "There are heaps of schools. It's just magnificent."

Festival co-organiser Allyson Court said the performances had been fantastic. "It's really awesome that schools are working so hard to get Te Reo into schools, and to nurture that learning," she said.

"It's a great opportunity for the students to have different tutors who can teach them different things.

"They're all outstanding. To take that stage is a huge step."

- The Marlborough Express

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