Whanganui group leaves for festival

Te Matapihi was performing in Whanganui on Pakaitore Day two years ago. PHOTO/ FILE

The Te Matapihi kapa haka group that left to compete in Hastings has retained the singing tradition that was the hallmark of former tutor the late Morvin Simon, co-tutor Rawiri Tinirau says.

The group of 42 left by bus early on Wednesday morning, to arrive in Hastings in time for a powhiri at 11am. It is one of three representing the Aotea Region in this year's Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival.

"We will be representing the iwi, the region and the city," Mr Tinirau said.

Te Reanga Morehu o Ratana, representing the Ratana Movement, and Nga Purapura o Te Tai Hauauru (from Waitara) are the two other Aotea groups.

Te Matapihi had its first regional competition in 1997, and has competed nationally many times since then. The group was synonymous with leaders Morvin and Kura Simon and their family.

This year's Te Matapihi is a young group, with most members in their early to mid twenties. It even has four secondary students, and that youthful influence will be noticeable.

"Those that have followed Te Matapihi over the years would see some style differences," Mr Tinirau said.

He is one of the group's four tutors. The others are Luke Whanarere and his sister Te Oranga Whanarere, and Pepe Wallace. Luke and his sister are also the male and female leaders.

Two of the composers of their songs are Turama Hawira and Che Wilson, both well known within Whanganui. The other two are younger - Tamahaia Skinner, a teacher at Hato Paora, and Shaia Twomey.

"We've got some experience and some young people giving it a go. All of the waiata pertain to us as Whanganui iwi and, where possible, with our genealogical connections with our hosts over in Hawke's Bay," Mr Tinirau said.

Te Reanga Morehu o Ratana will be on stage on Thursday morning, while Te Matapihi and Nga Purapura perform around midday on Friday.

The finalists play on Saturday and Te Matapihi will be returning to Whanganui on Sunday.