February 04, 2019
Fighting spirit brings spark to Te Matatini
Bigger than the Olympics.
That’s how the chief executive of Te Matatini describes the biennial Māori performing arts festival.
The 46 teams that got through the regional cull are doing their final rehearsals as they prepare to take the stage at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium on February 21.
Carl Ross says the 1800 performers spend an average 300 hours rehearsing, as well as more hours building up individual fitness and stamina – not to mention the hours writing haka and waiata and making the costumes.
"I actually think it's bigger than the Olympics. It's the commitment you have. Māori are a tribal people. We used to fight for supremacy and now it's done on the stage. We stand on the stage and give it our all. I've watched leaders who turn around to their teams and say 'Make a choice. Drop smoking or go into the kitchen and help cook the kai for the team that's going on.' They drop smoking at the drop of a hat," he says.
Te Matatini will bring an estimated $19 million benefit to the Wellington economy.
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