February 24, 2013
Te Waka Huia again Te Matatini champion
Te Waka Huia has equalled the record set by Waihirere by taking a fifth Te Matatini title.
Despite only scoring three thirds in the aggregate awards for performances during the pool section in Rotorua, the Auckland rōpū pulled out the stops for the finals, which are judged on a clean scorecard.
Te Whānau ā Apanui came second, with three teams tying for third – Whangara Mai Tawhiti, Tu Te Manawa Maurea and Te Iti Kahurangi, who scored five firsts a second and a third in the aggregate awards.
Tiare Kata Teinakore from Te Iti Kahurangi was best female leader, while kaitiaki tane was again Wetini Mitai-Ngatai from the previous winner, Te Mātārae I O Rehu.
The final drew about 15000 spectators to the Rotorua International Stadium.
Ngāi Tahu hosts the next Te Matatini in 2015 in Christchurch.
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