Kapa haka tamariki show ‘remarkable resilience’ through challenging journey to nationals

Te Kapa Haka o Puhi Kaiti kaitātaki wāhine Hevani Toupili during their performance at Te Mana Kuratahi/Aotearoa national primary schols kapa haka competitions in Nelson. It was the first time Te Mana Kuratahi had been held in four years as the 2021 edition could not go ahead due to Covid-19.Picture by Erica Sinclair

Four rōpū from different Tairāwhiti kura showed off their performance skills at Te Mana Kuratahi/Aotearoa national primary schools kapa haka competitions in Nelson.

Te Kura o Manutuke, Te Kapa Haka o Puhi Kaiti, Te Kapa Hurutea o Horouta Wānanga and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Uri a Māui took part in the competition last week.

They were among 45 groups who performed at the event.

It was the first Te Mana Kuratahi in four years  as the 2021 event did not go ahead due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Te Kapa Haka o Puhi Kaiti tutor Sandy Matenga said their journey had been arduous and challenging.

“But our tamariki displayed remarkable resilience in preparing for this esteemed event,” she said.

They overcame obstacles like Covid-19, the loss of their dedicated kaiako matua Tatai o Te Rangi Kutia and the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle to get to the point where they are able to perform at a national level.”

Sandy and her team expressed their gratitude to the former students who would have been part of the 2021 Te Mana Kuratahi only for it to be cancelled.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to their families for their support, love and time. We will always cherish your contributions and we carried your spirit with us on stage in Nelson.”

Every moment of their performance was dedicated to the memory of Matua Tatai, Sandy said.

“We did everything with the goal of making him proud, ensuring Tairāwhiti was well represented and expressing our gratitude to everyone who has supported our young talents along the way.

“For us, it was about more than just winning a competition. It was about giving back and honouring the values that have brought us together.”

Kōkā Sandy said they were also grateful to  Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Porou, Trust Tairāwhiti, Te Puni Kōkiri, Tairāwhiti Cultural Development Trust and Te Matatini for their unwavering support.

“It is difficult to put into words just how deeply thankful we are for your assistance.”

Te Mana Kuratahi was first held in Hamilton in the year 2000.

During the early years it was an annual event but is now biennial.

Te Kapa Puāwai from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland won this year’s competitions.