Hatea Kapa Haka were one of three Northland groups competing at national kapa haka competition Te Matatini which was held at the Hawke's Bay Sports Park. PHOTO/PAUL TAYLOR
Hatea Kapa Haka were one of three Northland groups competing at national kapa haka competition Te Matatini which was held at the Hawke's Bay Sports Park. PHOTO/PAUL TAYLOR
A Whangarei kapa haka tutor says last week's Te Matatini was "second to none" but he is not upset about waiting 12 years before Northland hosts the competition.
The festival, which opened with a powhiri on Wednesday followed by four-days of performances, saw 47 of the best kapa haka groupsand thousands of spectators from across the country descend on the Hawke's Bay Sports Park in Hastings.
Three Northland roopu, Muriwhenua; Te Puu Ao and Hatea, competed at the biennial festival last week.
Joby Hopa, chairman of the Waitangi Cultural Committee and Hatea Kapa Haka tutor, said the competition was "second to none".
"It was a really good atmosphere. Ngati Kahungunu were amazing hosts. They made sure we were looked after. Every group got kai from fruit to corn, chicken, mutton and even ice cream, I couldn't fault them," he said.
Muriwhenua performing at Te Matatini last week. PHOTO/DUNCAN BROWN
Mr Hopa said he hoped that when Te Tai Tokerau host Te Matatini the hospitality would be as good, if not better, than Ngati Kahungunu.
But Northland isn't due to host the competition until 2029. The last time the region was host was in 1990.
"It's a bit longer than a little wait but it gives us time to ensure we're ready. Ngapuhi can't even sort out themselves. By 2029 we will come together and we'll be ready," he said.
Mr Hopa said roopu spent months training, including weekend practices; healthy eating plans and fitness and gym routines, to prepare for the competition.
Although no Te Tai Tokerau groups made it into the nine finalists, Mr Hopa said the standard of performances was high.
"It's definitely a bit of a disappointment but it is always a privilege to perform on stage and there are 37 other groups who also miss out. We had three groups from Northland performing and they were brilliant, they were excellent," he said.
Whangara Mai Tawhiti from Whangara, near Gisborne, were crowned the Te Matatini 2017 champions.
