On the same day Oi Manawa was unveiled, a small rōpu of Poutini Kāi Tahu carried a precious taoka to the pōwhiri for Te Matatini. Our kaikōrero, Upoko rūnanga Pīhopa Richard Wallace, spoke first on behalf of Poutini and Waitaha. While Waitaha Kapa sang the waiata tautoko, they took a very long walk across McLean Park Stadium in Napier to present a brand new taoka for Te Kairangi o Te Reo ā Tuhi – Written Te Reo Excellence, jointly sponsored by Poutini Kāi Tahu –
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae and Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio.
Named Te Tai-pūkarukaru o Poutini – The gentle rippling waves of the Poutini Coast, by Tahu Pōtiki. Great composition is compared to the Poutini tides, the pictures the language paints and the emotions evoked and roused within every individual who hears the poetry. The stunning trophy was designed and carved by Poutini artisans, Fayne Robinson and Turi Gibb using the finest pounamu to bring to life the poutini tides-Kahurangi from Ngāti Waewae, Inanga Tahutahi and Aotea from Makaawhio on a base of rimu inlaid with kōwhaiwhai taken from each of our Whare tīpuna.
We were honoured to celebrate te reo-ā-tuhi and the stories they tell. Having handed over the taoka, we were unsure about the process for handover to the winner on finals day. Waitaha Cultural Council Chairwoman, Tāua Ranui Ngarimu did the honours, handing the taoka to Te Mātārae i Ōrehu, a regular top nine contender from Te Arawa.
Te Matatini 2017 took another step up from ours – 47 kapa competing, excellent venues, stalls and manaaki. They picked up on the feedback from our hui and ran with it. Ka mau te wehi Kahungungu.
Te Taoka o Te Tai-pūkarukaru o Poutini.
Ranui Ngarimu presents Te Taoka o Te Tai-pūkarukaru o Poutini.