Awanuiārangi Supports Mataatua Kapa Haka Regional Competition 2024

Tāwharautia Mataatua - the coming together of Mataatua

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi is a proud sponsor of the Mataatua Kapa Haka Regionals 2024. Several teams will take to the stage at Tōrere on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 February, including the reigning Mataatua and national champions, Te Roopu Kapa Haka o Te Whānau a Apanui. Six teams will earn the honour of competing at the prestigious Te Matatini Kapa Haka Nationals in 2025. 

Ryan Te Wara, the National Programme Coordinator, and previous graduate of Ngā Mana Whaikorero a Toi: Bachelor of Māori Performing Arts (BMPA) at Awanuiārangi, is a judge at this year’s Mataatua event. He explains, “Kapa Haka celebrates everything about who we are, it encompasses te reo, mahi haka, history, whakapapa, tikanga, and  karanga. It is unique only to Te Ao Māori and is a positive expression of our identity and culture. 

“As judges, we will be assessing different performance disciplines including: Whakaeke, Mōteatea, Poi, Waiata-ā-ringa, Haka and Whakawātea. While each discipline has its own criteria and unique considerations, judges will also be looking at elements such as reo, music, sound, visuals, takahi, wiri, actions and use of weaponry and other types of taonga. The feeling and emotional aspects or the wairua, including ihi, wehi and wana, also significantly influences a team’s overall score.” 

Awanuiārangi offers high-quality training for all aspiring kaihaka (performers) seeking to become valued repositories of mātauranga Māori, te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and Māori Performing Arts. The BMPA programme at Awanuiārangi, has contributed to the journeys of many accomplished kaihaka in Aotearoa over the last decade. 

Ryan explains, “Our BMPA programme helps tauira (students) gain essential skills that can significantly boost their readiness and confidence for competitive haka. Tauira develop a deep understanding of various aspects, which enhances their preparedness for the stage. Some of these skills include rangahau and research, reflective practice, composition critique, journaling and planning, performance components, formal writing, and presentations. 

"A unique point of difference is our offering of oral assessments in te reo Māori. This can be beneficial to tauira for several reasons including cultural connection and understanding, language proficiency, authenticity in performance and empowerment. 

“BMPA is a vehicle that can provide career pathways into teaching, cultural tourism, media, consultancy, business and a range of other mediums.”  

Awanuiārangi wishes to congratulate all competing kaihaka and is proud to acknowledge all the lecturing staff of the BMPA programme who are judging, performing, or both across different regional competitions this year.  

For information about the event visit: mataatuakapahaka.com

Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau a Apanui are the current Te Matatini and Mataatua Rohe champions.  The Kapa features alumni of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi