Whangara Mai Tawhiti win kapa haka title

KA MAU TE WEHI! Whangara Mai Tawhiti kapa haka group have done Te Tairawhiti proud, beating 46 teams from around the country to win Te Matatini 2017. The Whangara-based group represent Ngati Porou, Ngati Konohi and Whangara marae. They last won the national kapa haka festival in 2007 and were runners-up in 2009. “This is a fabulous festival and encapsulates all of the mana of our ancestors, which is carried through a very powerful group of people at Te Matatini,” said kaitataki (leader) tane Derek Lardelli. “It is an honour and a privilege to win at this festival.” Pictures by Paul Taylor, Hawke’s Bay Today

WHANGARA Mai Tawhiti have done the district proud by claiming their second Te Matatini kapa haka title yesterday in Hastings.

The kapa hapa group from the Paikea settlement made world-famous in the 2002 film Whale Rider, took out the world’s largest kapa haka festival, topping 46 other teams from across the country.

Led by kaitataki (leader) tane Derek Lardelli and kaitataki wahine Lavinia Winiata, they put on a stand-out performance yesterday as the top nine teams battled it out on finals day for the Te Toa Whakaihu Waka (Duncan Maclntyre Trophy).

Mr Lardelli told Hawke’s Bay Today he was thrilled when he heard their name called.

“This is a fabulous festival that encapsulates all of the mana of our ancestors, which is carried through a very powerful group of people at Te Matatini. It is an honour and a privilege to win at this festival.”

Fellow Te Tairawhiti group Waihirere, a five-time winner, made finals day.

Ruatoria-based Hikurangi, Manutuke’s Tu Te Manawa Maurea and Te Aitanga a Hauiti ki Uawa of Uawa/Tolaga Bay all put on strong performances in the first round but did not make the top nine.

Hikurangi, competing in their first Te Matatini, came third in the haka category.

Five-time winners Te Waka Huia from Tamaki Makaurau were runners-up and pan-tribal Te Iti Kahurangi were third.

Whangara Mai Tawhiti represents Ngati Porou, Ngati Konohi and Whangara marae.

They were established in 1961 and revived in 1976.

They won the festival back in 2007, were runners-up in 2009, and were a strong contender this year having won Te Tairawhiti Tamararo regionals last year.

Overall titleAlthough Te Waka Huia were on top in many different categories, the overall title was based only on performances on finals day yesterday.

Mr Lardelli said they had come from a difficult position performing first on Friday.

But they knew if they got through to the finals, they had a chance of winning.

“We just needed to work hard and I take my hat off to my team, as they are such hard workers. The key for us was never giving up.”

Mr Lardelli said that on Saturday they rested up and adjusted their routines according to feedback.

“We had more fun on Sunday and we just uplifted and pushed our team to another level and here is the result.”

Te Matatini chairman Selwyn Parata said the team won because they lifted their performance after the pool competition.

“The heats are a big ask but the group came back for the final and gave an improved performance and that is why they have gone home with the trophy.”

Mr Lardelli thanked the crowd and host Ngati Kahungunu for putting on the four-day festival.

“Let us be honest, the crowd has been amazing and they made the performances, getting right behind all of the groups.

“Ngati Kahungunu whanui and the Ngati Kahungunu people have been exceptionally good, actually outstanding, so we thank you.”

Mayor Meng Foon was at Te Matatini and said all Te Tairawhiti groups did the region proud.

“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Whangara Mai Tawhiti for their win.

“Derek and your kapa, you did it again. Ka mau te wehi. Champions of the world.

“My thanks also to Herewini (Selwyn) Parata, chairman of Matatini, and Kahungunu for hosting us. It was an awesome event.

“Nga mihi nui rawa atu ki a koutou katoa mo to manaakitanga ki a matau – he hui Maori angitu tenei.”

Te Matatini in 2019 will be hosted by Te-Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington).