RGP 06Mar15 - DEBUTANTES: Te Pikikotuku o Rongomai on stage. PHOTO/TE MATATINI SOCIETY INCORPORATED
RGP 06Mar15 - DEBUTANTES: Te Pikikotuku o Rongomai on stage. PHOTO/TE MATATINI SOCIETY INCORPORATED
The Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival held in Christchurch last week was a successful event filled with love, hospitality and world class performing arts.
A loving heart - That was the theme that set the scene for this year's Te Matatini festival and the host committee definitely performed out oftheir skin.
The Waitaha Cultural Committee worked alongside Te Matatini to host the biennial event attended by close to 30,000 people from across the globe. Although it was the festivals first return to the South Island in 29 years, the manaakitanga (hospitality) was second to none.
45 groups representing the best regions in the country took to the stage with songs and haka, most of which were dedicated to the tribes of the south.
Some told stories of giants that resided on Aoraki Mt Cook centuries ago, others acknowledged the families of victims and survivors of the earth quakes. However, the gratitude towards Te Waipounamu was sincere and echoed throughout the week.
While, initially, there were minor logistical hiccups in terms of accommodating all groups and their support base, the festival was a well-oiled machine. From parking, to ticketing, to seating, to on stage management, it was all in order.
A workforce of over 1000 made the festival. They ensured groups were looked after, the venue was clean, the stage was ready, the kai was cooked, the sound was audible, the kaumatua were cared for, the toilets were clean and everything was on time.
Chairman of the Te Matatini Incorporated Society, Herewini Parata, ought to be pleased with the work that was done in hosting such a grand event in Christchurch, 29 years after it first went to the south.
Te Whanau a Apanui from the Mataatua region were crowned champions followed by the only Te Arawa group to make the top 9, Te Matarae-i-Orehu an Opotiki based team, Opotiki Mai Tawhiti who placed second equal.
While all performers, tutors, cooks and supporters all have time to rest, settle and find things to do in their free weekends. Work has already began in the Hawkes Bay as Ngati Kahungunu prepare to host the multitudes that will flock to their shores in 2017.
Kati, kei nga rangi nga mihi ki nga iwi o Te Waipounamu, otira ki Te Matini, mo koutou i tauwhiro ai i te hea i takatu atu ai ki runga o Waitaha i tera wiki.
He ngakau aroha i kore.
RGP 09Mar15 - FIERCE: Te Arawa group Te Matarae i Orehu perform in the finals at Te Matatini in Christchurch yesterday. PHOTO/TE MATATINI SOCIETY INCORPORATED
