Te Whānau a Apanui to defend Mataatua title 2024

Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau a Apanui return to their home rohe

Reigning champions, Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau a Apanui will be defending their regional title when they take to the stage today, Saturday 24 February at the Mataatua Kapa Haka Regionals in Tōrere. They won first place at regionals in 2020 then went on to win the national championship title at Te Matatini in 2023.  

Te Whānau ā Apanui faces the immense pressure of maintaining their standard of excellence while also striving for innovation and growth as they defend their title. Tamati Waaka, the Kaitātaki (leader) of Te Whānau a Apanui, shares how the team has been preparing and what everyone can expect to see today following their national championship triumph last year.  

He says, “Our rōpū (group) is prepared and ready to hit the stage. We had eight weekend long practices for the campaign. We are fortunate that the majority of our waiata are from last year and are pleased to be able to bring these home to our own rohe.  

“Our waiata-ā-ringa (action song) celebrates when the Māori King called for all tribes to gather at Tūrangawaewae for the Hui ā Motu. Our younger members will be making their debut today, and they are quite anxious but will be on stage surrounded by the older performers. That’s what makes it so special.” 

Te Whānau a Apanui’s impact extends far beyond competitive kapa haka. They also serve as ambassadors travelling both nationally and internationally to showcase the rich Māori cultural heritage of Aotearoa.  

In July 2023, several members of the championship team accompanied Awanuiārangi Chief Executive Wiremu Doherty, and then Prime Minister Chris Hipkins to China. The trip for trade delegation business, fostered cultural exchange with Chinese officials. Another highlight included accompanying the All Blacks to France for the Rugby World Cup.  

Tamati explains, “As winners of Te Matatini, it’s been a privilege to represent te iwi Māori, Te Whānau a Apanui and our whānau showcasing our culture at these events. We’ve had an overwhelming number of requests to perform at these types of engagements, and it shows that our culture has a major part to play in business.  

“People from all around the world flock to see and experience the haka performed by the All Blacks, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.” 

Furthermore, over the past decade, numerous members of the kapa haka have participated in a range of Iwi and cultural development programmes at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. These include Te Pou Hono, a series of Marae-centered programmes, and Ngā Mana Whakairo a Toi: Bachelor or Māori Performing Arts (BMPA). 

Tamati explains, “We have engaged in community education over the years and Te Pou Hono programmes are a gateway into further study. Some kaihaka (performers) have never achieved anything academically before, so it’s a real buzz for them when they receive a certificate.  

“Our rōpū has many graduates of Awanuiārangi ranging up to degrees like BMPA, Education, Nursing and Humanities, as well as master's level papers. The recognition of their skills, competencies and hard mahi obtained through kapa haka is really uplifting.” 

Awanuiārangi would like to acknowledge the hard mahi and dedication of all Mataatua Kapa Haka rōpū and their whānau, including hapū and iwi volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make this week possible. 

Lastly, it offers sincere congratulations to Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau a Apanui for their outstanding accomplishment as dual championship title holders this past year and wishes the winners of the 2024 Mataatua Regionals all the best for the journey ahead.  

Note: Images have been supplied with permission by Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau a Apanui