March 06, 2015
Tough task for Matatini judges
Te Matatini is in full swing in Christchurch, with North Hagley Park full of spectators and performers watching the best in the Maori performing arts.
Ngai Tahu spokesperson Julian Wilcox says ticket sales are running ahead of expectations, with more than half the sales going to locals, both Maori and Pakeha.
He says it’s a tough year to be a judge, going on the first day performances.
"It is going to be tough to find three groups out of each pool to make the finals. You had Opotiki who just blew everyone away, Waka Huia with their fantastic whakaeke yesterday, Ngati Rangiwewehi back again for this festival, Te Pou o Mangatawhiri, the last group on last night, and then a new group Te Pikikotuku o Rongomai, a lot of their performers are not new to Matatini, they have been with Te Matarae previously, but a brilliant superlative performance," Mr Wilcox says.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH JULIAN WILCOX CLICK ON THE LINK
https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MjY5NDM=
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