A tutor for Te Matatini place-getter kapa haka o Angitu Pere Wihongi says the rōpū have received huge support for its gender-diverse approach.
The south Auckland kapa placed third equal at its first Te Matatini appearance, despite having two tāne as part of its poi.
Pere Wihongi says it was a calculated risk.
“We were having the hugest anxiety battles leading up to the performance just in terms of taking that leap and displaying this particular stance while also not wanting to take away the limelight from our wāhine during the poi,” he says.
Mr Wihongi says winner Te Whānau Apanui has exemplified kapa haka excellence in performance for a long time.
