February 19, 2024
Waititi draws strength from kapa haka
Waiariki MP Rawiri Waititi and musician Rob Ruha have spent their summer setting up a new kapa haka ropu to enter next weekend’s Mātaatua regional championships.
Mr Waititi says Te Whanau o Apanui has more potential performers than it has teams, so Te Taumata Apanui can draw on veterans of the Matatini-winning ropu as well as new talent.
He says it’s given them a chance to get back to the grassroots, and reminded them of the importance of oranga, community and whanau.
“Whether it’s for Rob composing his waiata or me in politics, kapa haka is the fundamental tool we use to get our messages across so it’s rally lovely to be back onto it,” Mr Waititi says.
Te Taumata Apanui can do away with the greasepaint, with 16 of the women and seven of the men having moko and moko kauae.