Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell last week swapped Parliament for Te Matatini. Here he talks about his role and what the event means to him
What is your role at Te Matatini this year?
I have the role as stage manager. This involves all matters that affect performing groups from the time they arrive at the gate, through their performance and back to their buses. We are also responsible for supervising the stage walk-throughs, which are a timed opportunity for groups to go through their brackets before they actually take the stage.
Why have you chosen to roll up your sleeves to take part?
Te Arawa have a huge responsibility in hosting this festival to ensure it is the best festival ever. I hope that I can contribute to that along with the many other Te Arawa volunteers. It's also important to me to support activities which promote Te Arawa, and our language and culture in general.
I have been a performer in the past at the national competitions so this is an opportunity to give something back. Over the last 10 years I have had the role for our local competitions and, while I enjoy kapa haka, I struggle to stay seated too long so prefer to be involved doing something rather than actively watching.