Six kapa haka qualify for Te Matatini 2027

Six kapa haka have qualified for Te Matatini 2027 following two regional competitions held today.

Veterans and defending Te Taitokerau regional champions Muriwhenua from the Far North were named winners this evening, while the Gold Coast’s Te Kahu Ariki took out the regional competition for Te Whenua Moemoeā (Australia).

The competition opened with a Welcome to Country ceremony by a group of Kombumerri, the indigenous custodians of the land where the event was held on the Gold Coast.

Nine groups performed at the Australian regional competition.

Te Kahu Ariki marched on to the stage with purpose right from the get-go. It was a consummate performance. Their haka a particular stand-out for the inclusion of cultural elements from indigenous Australian peoples, including some actions and movements; white markings on the men’s bodies; and the use of the didgeridoo.

Kaitataki wahine Gaylene Ahipene told Te Karere ahead of their performance that the hunger for kapa haka is insatiable.

“Everyone is wanting it, no matter if [it’s] for their tamariki or for themselves so it just grows. There’s a need here and there’s not enough rōpū to cater to the need so anyone that wants to start a pakeke, a tamariki – any rōpū – that’s us.”

Joining Te Kahu Ariki in representing Māori across the Tasman are Brisbane-based Te Kapa Haka o Te Hau Tawhiti and Te Whare Haka o Nārama from Melbourne.

Over the two regionals, many groups brought on loved ones who had passed in the form of pictures and dedicated parts or all of their performances to them.

Te Hau Tawhiti dedicated their performance to the late Takutai Tarsh Kemp, former Tāmaki Makaurau MP from Te Pāti Māori. During their emotional whakaeke (entrance) item, they made their way on to the stage as a group in mourning with Kemp’s son Temanea Kauika-Quinlan carrying a photo of the MP.

Kaitataki wahine Te Waikamihi Ormsby told Māori news outlets Taioro and Te Karere that Kauika-Quinlan was a longtime member, and Kemp herself was an immense support during the group’s early years.

Likewise, Te Whare Haka o Nārama remembered loved ones who had passed in a beautiful waiata ā ringa (action song) that pulled at the heartstrings. Their whakawātea (exit) item also featured some stunningly delicate vocals from the women.

Alongside Muriwhenua, second place-getters Hātea Kapa Haka, and Te Kapa Haka o Waerenga Te Kaha will represent Te Taitokerau.

The late withdrawal of two groups from the competition meant kapa were competing for one of three qualifying spots, instead of the initial four.

The Northland event went ahead in Whāngarei despite the storm-hit region being under state of emergency. Event organisers Waitangi Cultural Committee said group representatives voted to proceed with the competition. They asked the public to support safely from home via livestream.

“This decision has not been made lightly. Our thoughts are with all whānau, iwi and hapū currently dealing with the effects of the severe weather over the past 48 hours.

“With conditions now easing, we are working alongside Northland Civil Defence and all other agencies involved, who are supportive of the event proceeding under the right conditions. We will continue to take guidance to ensure the event is managed safely.”

While there were 12 groups that took to the stage, five were in the running for the three qualifying spots.

Muriwhenua impressed judges and audience alike with their strong, sharp performance. Their mōteatea, a chant about “closeted” Muriwhenua descendants, and energetic, fun poi – featuring the men donning aprons – were favourites at last year’s Te Matatini and hit the mark again a second time around.

Hātea Kapa Haka, known for their beautiful harmonies, placed first equal with Te Uri o Manumanu in the choral category. Their wall of sound seemed barricaded by having 23 women to 17 men, providing a sweet tone throughout and an expansive lineup for the poi which they also won out.

Newcomers Te Rau a Tūhoronuku flipped the script with their bracket format treating their performance more as a ritualistic ceremony which ended in a lively march right off the stage.

Te Kapa Haka o Waerenga Te Kaha picked up right were Te Rau a Tūhoronuku left off, marching straight on to the stage in their whakaeke (entry) which brought intensity to their performance right to the end.

Te Uri o Manumanu put in a polished performance with some theatrical elements that added to the storytelling in their whakaeke (entry) and whakawātea (exit). Their waiata tira (choral) item in memory of Rangimarie Morgan was well received by the judges, placing them 1st equal.

1 Muriwhenua

2 Hātea Kapa Haka

3 Te Kapa Haka o Waerenga Te Kaha

1 Muriwhenua

2 eq (2 groups)

-Hātea Kapa Haka

-Te Kapa Haka o Waerenga Te Kaha

1 Muriwhenua

2 eq (2 groups)

-Hātea Kapa Haka

-Te Kapa Haka o Waerenga Te Kaha

3 Te Uri o Manumanu

1 Muriwhenua

2 eq (2 groups)

-Hātea Kapa Haka

-Te Kapa Haka o Waerenga Te Kaha

1 Hātea Kapa Haka

2 Muriwhenua

3 eq (2 groups)

-Te Kapa Haka o Waerenga Te Kaha

-Te Uri o Manumanu

1 eq (2 groups)

-Muriwhenua

-Hātea Kapa Haka

2 Te Kapa Haka o Waerenga Te Kaha

1 eq (3 groups)

-Muriwhenua

-Hātea Kapa Haka

-Te Kapa Haka o Waerenga Te Kaha

1 Te Kapa Haka o Waerenga Te Kaha

2 eq (3 groups)

-Muriwhenua

-Hātea Kapa Haka

-Te Uri o Manumanu

1 eq (2 groups)

-Hātea Kapa Haka

-Te Uri o Manumanu

2 Te Rau a Tūhoronuku

1 eq (3 groups)

-Muriwhenua

-Hātea Kapa Haka

-Te Kapa Haka o Waerenga Te Kaha

1 eq (2 groups)

-Te Kapa Haka o Waerenga Te Kaha

-Te Uri o Manumanu

2 eq (3 groups)

-Muriwhenua

-Hatea Kapa Haka

-Te Rau a Tūhoronuku

1 eq (2 groups)

Muriwhenua

Hātea Kapa Haka

2 Te Kapa Haka o Waerenga Te Kaha

1 Muriwhenua