As part of the build-up to Te Matatini 2015, the office is producing a five-episode web series, which you will be able to watch on www.ngaitahu.iwi.nz.
The series is designed to document the journey to Te Matatini 2015 and celebrate Ngāi Tahu kapa haka.
Episode one: What is Te Matatini? We will be talking with the main players from the Te Matatini executive, The Waitaha Cultural Council and the 2015 Festival governance group – Te Pātuitanga.
Episode two: The 1986 Polynesian Festival. Join us as we reminisce the 1986 festival with the original organising committee, local performers, the 1986 winners and current reigning champions, Te Waka Huia.
Episode three: The Waitaha qualifying teams. We will talk with the three hosting groups Ngā Manu a Tāne, Te Ahikōmau a Hamoterangi and first-time group, Te Pao a Tahu.
Episode four: Planning and preparation. Meet some of the organisers, Ngāi Tahu artists, Ngāi Tahu stall holders, the coordinators of the haka pōwhiri and the crew who will be organising the hākari for the thousands who will be coming to Te Matatini 2015.
Episode five: Te Matatini 2015 – He Ngākau Aroha. Here we will capture the event and talk with performers and supporters who have travelled from as far away as Australia. We will also talk with Ngāti Kahungunu the next hosts and finish with a kōrero to Te Matatini executive and the Waitaha Cultural Council.
The first episode of the series will be launched on-line in early December. Look out for future episode release dates in the New Year.