Listen Now: 
The first finalists for Te Matatini 2015 have been identified, with some iwi using events around Waitangi celebrations to run their kapa haka regional finals.
First up was Te Whanganui a Tara, where Nga Taonga Mai Tawhiti, Nga Uri o Tamarau and Tu Te Maungaroa won places.
Regionals were held in Nelson and Hastings on Waitangi Day.
Te Whatukura will represent Te Tau Ihu in Christchurch next year, while four groups qualified from Ngati Kahungunu.
They are Te Rerenga Kotuku, Parearau, Ngati Kahungunu ki Heretaunga, and Ngati Ranginui.
The next whakataetae is for Mataatua at the ASB Arena in Tauranga on February 22.
Copyright © 2014, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
RELATED NEWS
