Super 9s Kapa Haka a fitting tribute to Jojo Waaka

There were vibrant colours, new moves and a lot of creativity on show at the inaugural Super 9s kapa haka competition whichhad a sunny final day at Te Puia today.

Held as part of the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute's "two-week Matariki extravaganza," the event paid tribute to the late Jojo Waaka.

Ms Waaka, who died suddenly in January aged just 27, was a former employee of Te Puia and well-known kapa haka performer.

Nine teams took to the stage on Wednesday and Thursday with four teams making it through to finals day - Nga Kete Tuku Iho, a group made up of NZ Maori Arts & Crafts students based here in Rotorua, Kahuniwa and Manuhiri from Ngati Kahungunu ki Heretaunga and Tatai Koreko, from Turangi.

Manuhiri perform in the Jojo Waaka Super 9s at Te Puia. Photo/Stephen Parker

Each team had nine members and had nine minutes to perform on stage.

New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute general manager Eraia Kiel said the event had been a showcase of what Jojo truly was as an entertainer.

"All the groups brought something to the stage that we could remember her by," he said.

"It was humbling for her family to have these groups come together."

Mr Kiel said it was a proud occasion for Te Puia to host such an event.

"We'd love it to grow and grow," he said.

"Definitely this is something we'd like to make an annual thing."

Kahunina perform in the Jojo Waaka Super 9s at Te Puia. Photo/Stephen Parker

Between 600-700 people came through to watch the performances over the three days.

"Groups came from as far as Hastings, as Jojo played a great part in their lives as well," he said.

"As an MC and an entertainer there were moments throughout her life where Jojo just captured the audience on stage.

"The amount of talent that came out was great and it was nice to see a more light hearted approach to kapa haka, it was very creative."

Mr Kiel said there were a lot of "hard case" moments, fun and laughter.

Tatai Koreko perform in the Jojo Waaka Super 9s at Te Puia. Photo/Stephen Parker

Despite great performances from all the finalists, it was Tatai Koreko who took out first place.

As part of their prize they have been invited to attend the New Zealand Maori Music Awards later this year.

The New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute would like to thank all donors and those who helped make this event possible.

"I am really proud of the staff and students from NZMACI and to have seen them in the finals," Mr Kiel said.

"It's great for us to be able to hold these events for our people."