Festival draws over 16,000
Cream of Mataatua kapa haka talent showcased at Te Teko
Opotiki Mai Tawhiti emerged triumphant following a weekend showcasing the best of kapa haka at the Mataatua Kapa Haka Festival.
Hosted by Ngati Awa Ki Rangitaiki (the six marae of Te Teko) the event drew more than 16,000 people over Saturday and Sunday in sweltering Eastern Bay weather.
Twenty-two groups from Te Whakatohea, Tauranga Moana, Ngai Tuhoe, Ngai Tai and Ngati Awa took to the stage at the Te Teko Racecourse. Opotiki Mai Tawhiti came first, Tauiramaitawhiti second, Te Whanau a Apanui third, Tutarakauika ki Rangataua fourth and Ruatoki fifth.
These five will represent Mataatua at Te Matatini, the national kapa haka championships, in Wellington next year.
Event manager Larni Hepi said he had been overwhelmed by the support received throughout the weekend.
“So many people talked about the wairua [spirit] of the Rotorua’s Turanga Merito wants all of Rotorua’s best young te reo Maori singers to come to an audition this week that could see them become TV stars.
Maori Television’s Pukana programme is again on the hunt for te reo Maori singers between the ages of 13 and 18 to audition for Uruwhetu.
Uruwhetu has produced several hit te reo Maori singles including those by popular group Maimoa.
Merito, the musical director event,” Hepi said. “There was an incredible feeling.”
As well as whanau, friends and supporters, there appeared to be a lot of foreigners attending the festival. “We had groups from Germany, the UK and from other places overseas which was awesome to see. There were also a lot of and choreographer for the show, said it would be an opportunity to experience musical artist life with a rehearsal process, recording and composition of a song, and a music video to accompany it.
This year, the show will for the first time produce not one but three Uruwhetu groups.
Merito said those auditioning needed to bring their A game.
“Bring that stunning te reo Maori, which is compulsory, and a good work ethic and attitude and the options will be endless for the team and myself.” Europeans in the audience.”
The racecourse was a hive of activity last Friday as golf carts, water stations, the stage and generators were set up.
“We also achieved the highest national rating for recycling, we were able to keep 80 per cent of waste from the landfill,” Hepi said.
He said the show could potentially see the formation of a new te reo Maori Six60 band, a baby Black Eyed Peas or maybe the world’s first reo Maori rap and hip-hop group in
A free kids zone kept the youngsters entertained and kai stalls kept the performers and the punters fed. Market stalls offered a range of wares and a live performance from Maimoa Music entertained while the haka groups took a break.
The event was live streamed by Maori Television. this age demographic.
“My mind is excited at the possibilities.”
Auditions are being held in Rotorua, Whangarei, Auckland, Gisborne and Kirikiriroa (Hamilton area).
Those taking the auditions are looking for not just soloists but also duo, trio or groups with a maximum of four people.
They must supply their own instruments or sing a capella.
“If you are reading this thinking about it but might be a little whakama [shy], then don’t be. It’s better to regret something you tried than something you didn’t.”