Family gets together at Matatini
Porangahau-based Tamatea Arikinui was one of the four teams representing Ngati Kahungunu at Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival held in Hastings recently.
Don Hutana has been a member of the group since 1980, although it was originally formed in 1978. Their role affiliation is Porangahau, their hapu affiliation Ngati Kere and their marae affiliation Rongomarearoa.
For Don, amusician who toured with the late Sir Howard Morrison, joining the group was an opportunity to return to his roots. Since then the group has expanded to embrace many family members. This year three of Don's daughters, five grandchildren and a niece were selected to perform at the festival. This was the fourth Te Matatini Festival which the team had performed in.
“We're all related somehow, if not our family, our hapu. At least three-quarters of us are related. We're a family-based team,” he says.
As all performers know the time, effort and dedication involved in preparing for Te Matatini and similar competitions is substantial. Being dispersed geographically also presents challenges for Tamatea Arikinui team members who meet to practise in Hastings, Porangahau and Wellington. All teams consist of 20 men and 20 women and this was the first time they actually had more performers available than places. Some had to be left out, but all performed in the final dress rehearsal at Porangahau.
Don, 72, has 28 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren and is proud of their achievements. For Don and the extended family, their performances at Te Matatini were 100 per cent. The performers all felt great support from the crowd.
The solo Tutira Mai Nga Iwi composed by the late Canon Wi Huata, performed by Don's daughter Amokura, was well received by the audience.
Don still regularly works out.