February 06, 2013
Te Matatini Captured For Reality Show
The stage is going up for Te Matatini at the Rotorua International Stadium, as teams make final preparations for the biennial kapa haka competitions starting on February 21.
If you haven’t had enough of the Māori performing arts by the end of the month, it's coming back to reality TV.
Māori Television’s new series Kapa Haka: Behind the Faces kicks off on March 1.
It follows the fortunes of current champions Te Matarae i Orehu from Rotorua as they prepare to defend their title.
Producer Lara Northcroft says the five-part series captures all the blood, sweat and tears that go into preparing for the traditional Māori performing arts competition.
Northcroft, who is married to Te Matarae i Orehu male lead Wetini Mitai-Ngatai, says the series also features many members of the talented Morrison family, including reigning female champion Miriama Morrison-Hare, who stepped into the group’s female lead role following the death of her mother, Taini.
It will show how team mates try to juggle work and family with practice, while others make the trip down from Auckland every week to perfect their skills.
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