Te Matarae i Orehu was named the top group at this year's Te Arawa kapa haka regional competition. Photo/Andrew Warner
The regionals are done and dusted and now the kapa haka performers from Te Matarae i Orehu, Nga Uri o Te Whanoa, Tuhourangi Ngati Wahiao, Ngati Rangiwewehi, Kataore and Te Pikikotuku o Rongomai can look forward to next year's Te Matatini national kapa haka festival in Christchurch.
While there were
some great teams who missed out, the teams who did make it came as no surprise.
Wetini Mitai-Ngatai's Te Matarae i Orehu have taken top honours at this year's regionals but, when it comes to the nationals, being ranked number one means little. However, the group have two national titles to their name, so it means they are always a threat.
One of the best words to describe Nga Uri o Te Whanoa has to be consistent. They have made every nationals since their inception in 2007. So it was no surprise to see them feature again this year.
Tuhorangi Ngati Wahiao are one of the oldest Te Arawa groups. But when it comes to performing there is nothing remotely old about them, they always perform with passion and vigour. It's great to see Ngati Rangiwewehi make a welcome return to the nationals, having won the title twice (1983 and 1996).
