Waihīrere took out the annual Tamararo Tairāwhiti regional kapa haka competition held at Houhoupiko, Gisborne, over the weekend.
They are one of the most prestigious teams in the kapa haka scene — with an impressive five national titles under their belt.
It’s also a fresh start for them, with seasoned performer Lorraine ‘Lolo’ Brown taking over as tutor of the group this year, filling the shoes of revered kapa haka exponent Tangiwai Ria.
Their performance fused together new compositions, alongside classics such as Nā Te Mea – originally performed by the group at the 1981 national festival as an ode to te reo Māori and those who helped revive the language.
Waihīrere beat out Ngāti Konohi group Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti, who were also favourites to take out the competition after placing second-equal at last year’s Te Matatini festival.
From a fundraising event to a long-standing tradition
The Tamararo competition is the oldest continuing regional kapa haka competition in the country, established in 1952 as a fundraising event for Māori Anglican churches in Te Tairāwhiti.
Since then, it has served as a pinnacle event for the East Coast, showcasing the best kapa haka in the region.
“Kapa haka is in our blood and our whānau want to express themselves and their art on the stage,” Te Matatini Tairāwhiti delegate Maui Tangohau said.
Three more rōpū will go alongside the two groups to represent Te Tairāwhiti at the next Te Matatini ki Te Kāhui Maunga in 2025.
Overall placings:
1. Waihīrere
2. Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti
3. Te Hokowhitu a Tū
4. Tū Te Manawa Maurea
5. Hikurangi Pāriha.
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