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Five of the country’s best kapa haka including Te Matatini winners Whangara Mai Tawhiti and runners up Te Waka Huia will take to the stage at the Cloud on Auckland’s waterfront this Saturday.
Te Taumata Kapa Haka will give Lions fans who aren’t making the trip to Wellington for the second test a chance to see some of the top Maori performers, as well as giving local kapa fans a Matariki treat.
Carl Ross from Te Matatini says 2017 Auckland Polyfest winners Te Wharekura o Hoani Waititi will open the event at midday.
"We can see our youth actively participating with the kapa haka and our senior teams and it's something Te Matatini is working toward, ensuring that kapa haka is seen as a vehicle that can help contribute to positive social change for our people," he says.
Carl Ross says research is emerging that kapa haka contributes to a healthier lifestyle, and there is an increase in academic achievement for school students who participate.
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND – MARCH 08: Members of Whangara Mai Tawhiti from Gisborne perform during the Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival 2015 at Hagley Park on March 8, 2015 in Christchurch, New Zealand. The National Kapa Haka festival is a biennial event celebrating Maori traditional performing arts. (Photo by Martin Hunter/Getty Images)
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