April 18, 2016
Favourites book Te Matatini spots
Morrinsville-based Te Iti Kahurangi confirmed its dominance of kapa haka in Waikato, becoming the first group to qualify for next year's Te Matatini in the regional competitions over the weekend.
But some of the biggest cheers came for another Ngati Haua group, Te Kaaheru Matarau o Hauaa, which was the fifth qualifier and is off to the nationals for the first time.
Senior performer Adam Whauwhau says an effort was made last year to pull in other Ngaati Hauaa performers, leading to a lift in standards.
Te Pou o Mangataawhiri from Ngaaruawaahia was second, Huntly's Ngaa Pou o Roto third and Raukawa group Mootai Tangata Rau fourth.
In the Mataatua competition, current title holder Te Whanau a Apanui had to settle for second place behind 2013 winners Opotiki mai Tawhiti.
It may be paying the price for success – this year alone it has performed with the Edinborough Military Tattoo in both Melbourne and Wellington and the Merrie Monarch festival in Hawaii.
Four other roopu qualified for Hastings: Tauira mai Tawhiti, Te Kapa Haka o Ruatoki, Tutarakauika ki Rangataua and Waioweka.
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