You can come along and start training. But normally it's through family links or friends. It started as a family group and extended to other people who wanted to come in. We have people wanting to join all the time but we have a stable core now.
What does being a member involve?
You need to have timing, dedication, a singing voice - and all of that comes with training. You need to be fit and healthy to carry out the programme We do a lot of weaponry, choreography and movement. Normally we get together on a Sunday afternoon when we go into competitions, for about three months ahead, and on Saturdays too if we need it. It's quite taxing on the people.
We were not big physically like the other groups when we first came out, so my strategy was we had to show some sort of difference and show manoeuvrability, quickness and speed.
Watch video of Te Matarae I Orehu here.
Where did the name come from?
It's a sacred landmark on Lake Rotoiti in the middle of the lake. It was used as a watch tower or lookout point. You can see eastern and western boundaries and was a prominent lookout for Ngati Hinekura and Ngati Rongomai people.
What have been the group's major highs over the 21 years?
Winning twice Te Matatini in 2000 and 2011, participating with the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2001 with Ihi frENZy - that was probably the best high actually. We were treated really well and it was both Maori and Pakeha worlds coming together. Also, travelling overseas and representing Maori, opening of the Rugby World Cup in 2011, participating in film and television, participating in the Military Tattoo held in Wellington and having members of the group out in the community helping schools and helping their own hapu. These are the definite spinoffs.
What have been the lows?
Losing people along the way. That's the biggest. We lost Taini (Taini Morrison, the group's award-winning female leader died suddenly in 2009 at the age of 51), we have lost our kaumatua, my mother and my first wife. These are some of the things you experience as time goes by.
What makes this group so great?
With other groups, there is no competition. We are a family. Although we compete against each other, we need each other to exist, so we respect each other. We are all part of the same family, the family of kapa haka enthusiasts and beyond that traditionalists who want to retain the culture.
Where does your unique style come from?
The style comes from a desire to portray our ancestors. We have adopted that style as our own. It's a look back into the past, drawing what we can into this day and age and interlacing that with a bit of sugar and spice.
What about you?
I'm looking at continuing. I will be around to ensure the survival of this group and to maintain its integrity.
What else do you like to do?
Believe it or not I like to do salsa dancing. I am the student instead of the teacher. It's a different role for me. It's good for your health and quite fun being able to make your body do different contortions and shapes.
Why is it important to celebrate the 21st?
This is about celebrating the past and the present.
It's not about celebrating Wetini, he was just the catalyst. He was put in there by Irirangi.
One might think performing is only 20 minutes on stage and it's a waste of time. It's not. It's a record of our period.
Who knows what it'll be like in 100 or 1000 years from now, whether the Maori language and culture will still exist.
We are all trying to be the best Maori we can in this day and age and that's why we choose to take this challenge, to be more Maori, to be more in tune with the teachers of our ancestors and to provide present and future opportunity for self and family.
-The group is having a formal celebration on Saturday. For details, email manaiahw@hotmail.com or phone (021) 056 6610.
