From Te Manahautū Carl Ross
As we come to the end of another busy and rewarding year, I want to take a moment to reflect on all we have achieved together. It has been a year filled with growth, connections and shared passion for kapa haka and our kaupapa - mana motuhake ki te kainga, matatū, mataora, matatini ki te ao.
I am incredibly grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone who has contributed to our success. I wish you all a safe and restful Christmas surrounded by whānau, and a new year filled with joy and opportunity.
E te whānau hui
Whāia te mātauranga kia mārama
Kia whai take ngā mahi katoa
Tū māia, tū kaha
Aroha atu, aroha mai
Tātou i a tātou katoa
Haumi ē! Hui ē! Tāiki ē!
Nā Carl Ross, Te Manahautū | Chief Executive
Te Matatini Society Incorporated
Te Matatini Life Member Tā Pita Sharples recognised by Te Tumu Toi
Congratulations to Tā Pita Sharples who has been recognised at the 2024 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Icon Whakamana Hiranga for Kapa Haka, mau rākau.
“Tā Pita Sharples is a well-recognised figure across the landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand but his contribution to the art of mau rākau, waiata, kapa haka and other Māori performing arts has been undeniable. His dynamism, influence and impact has already created a long-lasting legacy not only for Māori here in Aotearoa but across the world.” – 2024 Icon Whakamana Hiranga Selection Panel.
Creative NZ Te Tohu Whakamanawa o Te Matatini 2024 recipients announced
This year’s Te Matatini Award recipients are northern haka power couple Chris Henare and Sandra Waitai-Henare for their outstanding contribution to kapa haka.
Te Tohu Whakamānawa o Te Matatini Award recognises people who have truly excelled in promoting leadership, excellence and an outstanding contribution in Kapa Haka, including its expression in te reo Māori me ona tikanga (mātauranga ki te reo me ona tikanga).
“What makes Te Tohu Whakamānawa o Te Matatini Award unique is that it recognises the various ways that people contribute to Kapa Haka,” says Carl Ross, Te Manahautū | Chief Executive. “It’s about acknowledging the unsung heroes and champions like Chris and Sandra who through kapa haka, provide voluntary support to their far north community.”
Life Member Trevor Maxwell on Pathfinders
Trevor Maxwell is a pioneer of Kapa Haka. He lives within his community – Awahou, Rotorua and is the longest serving councilman in New Zealand. His story is one of love, loss and leadership. Watch his story on Pathfinders -Māori +.
Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025 Judges Wānanga
Judges appointed for Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025 gathered in Wellington recently to prepare for next year’s national festival.
“It was important to bring the Festival 2025 judges together to ensure everyone receives a clear and consistent understanding of the current rules and guidelines, including technical specifications,” says Adn Maui Tangohau, Te Matatini Executive Committee member, and Festival Competition Lead.
Te Anga Pāua o Aotearoa National Kapa Haka Festival
Te Anga Pāua o Aotearoa National Kapa Haka Festival left Te Matatini kaimahi blown away by the passion and dedication of the performers on stage.
Twenty-six rōpū participated and performed in front of friends, whānau, support teams and the public over the two-day festival held at Takina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Before the Festival, we welcomed IDEA Services northern regional manager Vonny Davis, and chair of TAPOA, and Taki Peeke, IDEA Services Kaitakawaenga, to hear about how kapa haka positively impacts the wellbeing of the people and families they support.
Meet the Te Matatini Regional Development Team
Being able to work with people and serve with whakaiti (humility) is paramount to Loreen Henare, Kaiwhakahaere-a-Rohe | Regional Director.
“Māori are too sharp, and they will sniff out arrogance and agenda before you walk in the door. Listening and patience are critical in serving our Rohe.”
KAPA HAKA ACTIVATIONS
Te Matatini is proud to support and showcase Rohe Activations across Aotearoa and Te Whenua Moemoeā. Each Te Matakōrero – featuring a new event, story or profile - will highlight and celebrate the growth, development and regional participation in kapa haka.
Introducing Melissa Barnett, Rohe Pou Takawaenga Te Tauihu
I te taha o tōku Pāpā whāngai, No Ngāti Porou oku Tīpuna. I te taha o tōku Matua Ko Ngaati Koroki Kahukura tōku iwi. Ko Melissa Marie Barnett toku ingoa. Melissa is Pou Takawaenga of Te Tauihu o te Waka a Māui and says she was motivated to take on the role because of “the healing attributes that kapa haka does for our people.”
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Community Kapa Haka Grant recipients
The recent application round for the Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Community grants attracted 188 applications and recipients have been announced. This was a one-time funding opportunity aimed at supporting community kapa haka events, kapa haka development, and individual growth.
Applicants were not eligible if they were already receiving funding from Te Matatini Society Inc. Applicants needed to demonstrate their contributions to the art form across all three grant categories. Priority consideration for the komiti and kapa grants was given to those with prior kapa haka experience.
Te Mana Kuratahi
Well done to all teams who participated in the Mana Kuratahi competitions that have been held, and congratulations to all qualifying teams who will be performing in the Nationals being held in Tauranga next year.
What’s Coming Up
6 Feb 2025: Waitangi Day
24 Feb 2025: Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga National Kapa Haka Festival 2025 powhiri, at Maratahu Huakai | Yarrow Stadium, Ngāmotu | New Plymouth.
25 Feb – 1 Mar 2025: Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga National Kapa Haka Festival 2025, at Pukekura | Bowl of Brooklands, Ngāmotu | New Plymouth.