June 22, 2021
Inmates ready to show kapa haka skills
Judging for the whakataetae prison kapa haka challenge starts this week.
The judges, who are drawn from five time Te Matatini winners Waka Huia, will travel around 16 prisons over the next three weeks, with the performances live streamed for other prisons and whānau to watch.
Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis says it’s an important part of his Hōkai Rangi strategy and a way to connect inmates with their culture and reo, many for the first time.
He says there has been growing excitement.
"Last year while the training was going on there was a reduction of incidents within the prison because people were so focused on this kaupapa so there are positives all around," Minister Davis says.
He expects the competition to keep growing.
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