Twelve competed for the six qualifying spots, while another 13 took the stage in the pakeke section.
Tutors and performers say many of the brackets presented this year carried themes of remembrance, whakapapa and investing in the next generation of kapa haka.
For Ngāti Rangiwewehi, their bracket reflected a difficult year for their marae, Tarimano.
Senior member Te Teira Maxwell said the kapa had experienced several bereavements within a short period, and the tangi apakura he performed in the entry item carried very personal meaning for him.
Despite the weight the iwi have been carrying, Maxwell said it only inspired the group to perform their best at this year’s competition.
The team, he said, stood proud and were more than satisfied with their efforts regardless of the outcome.
Many of Te Arawa teams also paid tribute to influential figures of the iwi.
Wetini Mitai-Ngātai, tutor of first-time competitors Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe, said their bracket acknowledged figures who contributed to the rohe’s cultural and historical identity, including Makareti Papakura and Dr Hirini Melbourne.
For many teams at the Te Arawa Regionals this year, the focus was also on the future.
Te Pikikōtuku o Ngāti Rongomai based their bracket on building the next generation.
Co-tutor Renata Curtis said strengthening the next generation of performers has been a central focus for the group.
Her husband and co-tutor, Tukiterangi Curtis, said the group knew performing as the first competitive group on the day would be a challenge. Still, they embraced the opportunity to open the day.
With the qualifiers now confirmed, the successful groups will turn their focus to the national stage as they prepare to represent Te Arawa at Te Matatini 2027.
