Tauranga played host to one of Maori most popular events, Te Matatini, National Kapa Haka Festival. This biannual event attracts teams from all over New Zealand to compete for the Supreme Winner Trophy. The four day event is a true celebration of Maori culture, demonstrating the iconic tradition of Kapa Haka.
36 Kapa Haka groups representing 13 regions, including one team from Australia, thrilled the 25,000 strong crowds with a series of performances including:
Poi: dance with a ball attached to a length of cord, demonstrating the grace, beauty, timing and precision of these skilled dancers.
Waiata-a-ringa: song performed with specific hand movements to portray different meanings and combine to create a story.
Haka: war dance. World renowned and symbol of New Zealand’s national identity.
The overall calibre of each team was nothing short of outstanding. As each team performed throughout the festival, it left no doubt in anyone one’s mind that Kapa Haka is a strong element to Maori culture that is well and alive across New Zealand. Tohu Wines would like to congratulate the winner of the National Kapa Haka Festival, Te Waka Huia, who took out the Supreme Winner trophy for the fourth time. Runner up prize went to Whangara mai Tawhiti closely followed by Te Kapa haka o Te Whanau a Apanui.
For further information about The National Kapa Haka Festival please visit: