Ihi, wehi, wana: Waikato rangatahi to showcase cultural pride for Matariki

Friday, 7 July 2023

Te Wharekura o Te Kaokaoroa o Pātetere were the winners of last year’s Tainui Secondary School Kapa Haka Competition.

This week, Ngaa Paki o Matariki brings together the two largest kaupapa Māori events for Waikato high school students on the biennial calendar: speech competition Ngā Manu Kōrero, and the Tainui Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Competitions.

Ngaa Paki o Matariki is a first-time event, aiming to capture and embolden the spirit of Matariki, symbolising new beginnings, reflection, and the gathering of communities.

Rangatahi from years 9 to 13 from Hamilton city and the Tainui region will battle at the kapa haka competition for a spot to represent Tainui at the national competitions in 2024. It brings together eight kapa and three Pasifika performance troupes.

Last year’s winners were a kapa from Te Wharekura o Te Kaokaoroa o Pātetere.

Kapa from Te Wharekura o Rākaumangamanga leave it all on the stage.

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The competition is judged similarly to Te Matatini, with aggregate items including te reo Māori, whakaeke, waiata tawhito, waiata-ā-ringa, poi, haka and whakawātea. There are also awards for composition, waiata tira, costumes, and male and female leaders. Each item has four of its own judges.

Te Kapa Haka o Te Kuranui o Rototuna proudly showcase their heritage in performance.

Ngā Manu Kōrero is a speech competition renowned for its focus on oratory excellence, uplifting the confidence of Māori students in spoken English and te reo Māori.

In its 58th year, it is regarded as the most significant event on the Māori education calendar for nurturing the oratory skills of rangatahi by expressing their views to an admiring and critical audience of peers, parents, whānau and judges.

The Waikato regionals will bring together 30 orators and put forward one winner to represent the region at the national finals which will be run in September in Ōtepoti Dunedin.

Aiming to strengthen community bonds, honour shared heritage and create a vibrant and inclusive space to enjoy, the event will be also be bustling with stallholders and exhibits offering experiences and connections to Māori arts, crafts and business.

Co-chair Toti West is “incredibly excited to see rangatahi in their element at this festival”.

“Their passion, talent, and cultural pride are truly inspiring. It’s a space for them to express themselves, celebrate their heritage, and inspire others.”

The festival is anticipated to become the largest singular celebratory event of Matariki in the region and will be held at Hamilton’s GLOBOX Arena, Claudelands, on July 13-14.