West Auckland groups dominated the Auckland regional kapa haka finals over the weekend with five making the cut for Te Matatini in Hastings next February.
Five time champions Te Waka Huia emerged on top followed by Nga Tumanako, Te Roopu Manutaki, Te Manu Huia and Te Taha Tu.
Organising committee member Kawariki Morgan, who is one of the tutors for Nga Tumanako, says the style of the two powerhouse groups showed through in their spin-offs.
"Manutaki, ourselves and Te Tahu Tu brought a lot of of weaponry to the stage – taiaha, patu, tewhatewha. That has grown from Manutaki and Te Whare Tu Taua which Papa Pita Sharples started. WIth Te Waka Huia, Te Manu Huia, singing was very strong as always. Te Waka Huia are known for their power and their beautiful singing," he says.
Many of the groups had compositions about homelessness, the Trans Pacific Partnership and other issues that have resonated with urban Maori through the year.
