Kapa haka group Te Mataarae i o Rehu gave an "emotional but controlled" performance at the Maori King's coronation as its members took the spirit of their beloved female leader, the late Taini Morrison, with them.
It is customary among Maori for whanau to take the spirit (kawe mate) of a loved one to different marae to allow others the chance to mourn the death.
Mrs Morrison, who was well known in kapa haka circles throughout the country, died suddenly in June.
Saturday's performance for Maori King Tuheitia Paki, at Ngaruawahia's Turangawaewae Marae, was the Rotorua group's first without her at their side.
More than 2000 Maori from tribes around the country, including many from Te Arawa, gathered to celebrate the third anniversary of the king's coronation.
Te Mataarae i o Rehu male leader Wetini Mitai-Ngatai said the Rotorua group, including young children, were not nervous.
But they were in reflective mood as they took to the stage in memory of their former female leader.
"They did very well," Mr Mitai-Ngatai said of his group.
"They were surprisingly very controlled ... [but] there were a few tears shed for Taini.
"They were all very relaxed and very happy, but charged because of Taini," he said.
"Everyone was looking forward to performing because it was without any pressure. It wasn't a competition.
"They did really well."
The group had always wanted to perform at the Tainui marae, especially Mrs Morrison, but had never previously been able to because of other commitments, said Mr Mitai-Ngatai.
Mrs Morrison, sister of actor Temuera Morrison, died of a suspected heart condition, aged 51.
She was best known as the female leader of the champion Te Mataarae i o Rehu kapa haka group.
She was also the Ngati Whakaue Enrichment Unit teacher at Rotorua Primary School.
Her grandchildren were among Te Mataarae i o Rehu performers at the weekend.
Taini's spirit leads her group where she longed to perform
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