Steering kapa haka into the future

Tu Te Manawa Maurea, of Manutuke, performed at last year’s Tamararo competition and are likely to be one of the teams in the Tairāwhiti regionals competition set for April. Picture by Paul Rickard

Kapa haka fans get ready . . . the Tairāwhiti regional competition dates have been finalised.

On April 6 and 7, the regional kapa haka competitions that decides who competes at Te Matatini national finals is to be held  at Houhoupiko/Showgrounds Park & Event Centre.

Te Matatini national festival is being hosted in New Plymouth/Taranaki in 2025.

Te Matatini chair Sir Selwyn Parata said the 12 regional competitions in Aotearoa and one on Australia’s Gold Coast are major events on the kapa haka calendar, bringing together talented performers representing their iwi.

“Our regionals are a crucial precursor to the highly anticipated Te Matatini national festival,” Sir Selwyn said.

“It’s where the passion, dedication and innovation begin to create unforgettable performances that connect with audiences.”

Te Matatini has made a major investment into the regions to help support and develop kapa haka at grassroots level.

Part of that support is establishing 12 new pou takawaenga positions. The full-time roles are based in the community and will be a conduit between the different regions and Te Matatini.

The pou takawaenga will focus on coordinating, planning and supporting their teams for the regional and national Te Matatini events, and developing and growing the love of kapa haka.

Te Matatini chief executive Carl Ross says the newly established roles are a positive step forward and shows a commitment to continue to promote the value kapa haka has for New Zealand.

“Our pou takawaenga will allow us to have close connections with the regions and help steer Te Matatini and kapa haka towards the future.”

Kapa haka regional competition dates   

February 23-24 — Mātaatua, Tōrere, Te One, Ōpōtiki.
February 24 — Te Tauihu, Trafalgar Centre, Nelson.
February 24 — Ngāti Kahungunu, A&P Showgrounds, Dannevirke.
March 8-9 — Te Arawa, Rotorua Events Centre, Rotorua.
March 8-9 — Te Kāhui Maunga, Te Whare o Ruapūtahanga/TSB Hub, Te Hawera.
March 23 — Te Whanganui a Tara, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington.
March 23 — Te Tai Tokerau, McKay Stadium, Whangarei.
April 6-7 — Tairāwhiti, Houhoupiko, Gisborne.
April 20 —Rangitāne, Fly Arena, Palmerston North.
April 20 — Waitaha, Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch.
April 19-20 — Te Whenua Moemoeā, Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre.
April 27 — Tainui, Claudelands Event Centre, Hamilton.
May 11-12 — Tāmaki Makaurau, Spark Arena, Auckland.