March 2015 will see thousands of kaihaka with kapa haka enthusiasts in tow, descend upon the Canterbury Plains – Ngā Pakihi Whakatekateka o Waitaha – to enjoy the coveted New Zealand Māori Performing Arts Festival Te Matatini in Hagley Park.
Back row: Morehu Flutey-Henare, Miriama Setterington, Awhioraki Goodall, Reihana Parata, Ripeka Paraone, Catherine Stuart. Front: Rosalina Ngatupuna, Justice Arahanga-Pryor.
Te Ahikaaroa was one of ten teams to compete at the Waitaha Regional Cultural Competitions for the honour of standing at Te Matatini 2015 Ōtautahi. Thanks to members of the Rāpaki Women’s Welfare League, friends and family, who stood to help boost the numbers, so Te Ahikaaroa could compete.
There were a few first-time performers on stage this year, committed to supporting the kaupapa, even though they were terrified. Newcomers Te Pao o Tahu placed third, Te Ahikōmau a Hamoterangi graciously placed second to an outstanding performance by Ngā Manu a Tane.
Te Ahikaaroa whānau group.