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Scoop
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Taikura Kapa Haka Returns To Te Papa For Matariki
This weekend, Te Papa will once again come alive with the wairua of over 600 kaumātua as Taikura Kapa Haka 2025 takes centre stage. This annual festival celebrating and showcasing kapa haka and kaumātua takes over Aotearoa New Zealand's national museum on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June. Whether you're a long-time supporter or a first-time attendee, nau mai, haere mai, tautoko mai – come and witness the living legacy of kapa haka. The event will also be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube, watched by over 100,000 people from around the world, and ensuring whānau near and far can join in the celebration. Each of the 17 regional, marae-based, and hāhi rōpū brings its own regional flair, waiata, and kōrero, creating a rich and vibrant showcase of traditional Māori performing arts, deeply rooted in whakapapa, tikanga, and mātauranga. Chair of He Kura Te Tangata Trust, Turongo Paki says, 'Taikura kaumaatua kapa haka is a festival for all kaumaatua from across the motu to gather and share our culture, the culture that was left behind to us by our tuupuna. 'Although this kaupapa has grown and has become popular, we still have a kaupapa to maintain and that's to celebrate iconic composers such a Tuini Ngawai, Paraire Tomoana, Kingi Tahiwi, Te Puea Herangi, Kingi Ihaka and many more. 'Taikura is the only platform where you would find such taonga showcased by our revered reanga, our kaumatua', adds Turongo. Te Papa Kaihautū | Māori Co-leader, Dr Arapata Hakiwai acknowledges the importance of this kaupapa. 'Taikura Kapa Haka is a deeply powerful celebration of whakapapa, vitality, unity, and our kaumātua who are the taonga of our communities. 'When they stand on stage, they carry the voices of their tīpuna and the hopes of their mokopuna. Their strength, grace, and aroha remind us who we are and where we come from. 'This event embodies the spirit of Matariki mā Puanga: coming together, honouring our past, and looking forward with hope. 'It's an honour for Te Papa to host these living legends.' Carl Ross Te Matatini Te Manahautū | Chief Executive says, 'It's proven that participation in kapa haka promotes physical and mental wellbeing, while the social connections and cultural pride enhances mental health and emotional resilience. 'The Taikura Festival invigorates our kaumātua and gives whānau an opportunity to support and celebrate their nannies and koros performing on stage. 'I am pleased that Te Matatini will continue to strengthen our longstanding relationship with Te Papa as a supporter of Taikura 2025.' Taikura Kapa Haka 2025 is supported by Te Matatini, Te Māngai Pāho, Te Tumu Paeroa, and Te Taura Whiri I te Reo Māori. About Taikura Kapa Haka: The origins of Taikura Kapa Haka date back to early 2000s and the late Te Arikinui Kahurangi (Dame) Te Atairangikaahu who saw the need for performers who no longer participated in Māori performing arts competitions to have a place where old action songs, poi, haka, and waiata could be performed again. As a result, in 2005, under the chairmanship of the late Tama Huata, Taikura was introduced to Te Matatini with the kaupapa of reviving and performing compositions that were composed prior to 1970 by iconic figures such as Princess Te Rangi Pai, Ariki Te Puea Herangi, Hone Heke. Sir Apirana Ngata, Paraire Tomoana, Kingi Tahiwi, Guide Bella, Te Aritaua Pitama, Tuini Ngawai, and many others. In 2008 the He Kura Te Tangata Trust was formed to oversee the kaupapa with the late Tama Huata as the inaugural Chair, alongside trustees, Te Paekiomeka Ruha, Mamae Takerei, Julie Dwyer and the late Puti Mackey.
RNZ News
27-06-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Waikato announced as hosts for Te Matatini 2027
Tainui group Mōtai Tangata Rau at Te Matatini 2025. Photo: Te Matatini Enterprises Tākiri Tū Te Matatini will be hosted by Tainui, at Hopuhopu near Ngāruawāhia, following a two-day tono process involving Te Whare Haka o Tainui and Tainui waka Iwi. In May, organisers announced that the 2027 festival would not be hosted in Te Tauihu o te Waka-a-Māui / Nelson as had been expected. The decision came amid concerns around the ability of smaller regions to accommodate the rapidly growing festival. Te Matatini chairperson, Tā Herewini Parata, said the full board was overwhelmed by the depth and thought that had gone into the joint Tainui waka/whare haka proposal. "It centred on the key values of Kingitanga and was presented with the grace and strength of kotahitanga that this area is renowned for," said Tā Herewini. "The expression of interest received unanimous support from the Te Matatini National Board and we are looking forward to working together to deliver a successful festival in 2027." Waikato-Tainui executive Chair Tukoroirangi Morgan delivered an impassioned presentation based on kotahitanga. "As a waka we have a proud history of hosting the motu and we will pivot every resource we have and work with our partners to make sure it is a resounding success," he said. Te Whare Haka o Tainui delegate Tony Walker said this was an opportunity to remind ourselves of how mana Motuhake can evolve on a regional, national and international level. "This is an exciting time for our whare and the wider Tainui waka community because it provides stability for this kaupapa," he said. "I reflect on the words of our late Kiingi Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII when he challenged us all to think about the virtues of unity as a pathway to reconnect and flourish in this challenging world." "Te Matatini will now sit down and work through some of the logistical issues before confirming a date for the national competition," said Parata. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
13-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Prime Minister To Visit China And Europe
Rt Hon Christopher Luxon Prime Minister PrimeMinister Christopher Luxon will travel to China and Europe next week. He will be joined in Shanghai and Beijing with a delegation of senior New Zealand business leaders. 'China is New Zealand's largest trading partner and a vital part of our economic story,' Mr Luxon says. The visit will focus on growing trade, which was worth over $38 billion last year, as well as also look to strengthen education and tourism links and to maximise opportunities for New Zealand businesses. 'New Zealand is a trusted supplier of safe, high-quality food and beverage products to Chinese consumers. It is an important market, and I look forward to doing what I can to support Kiwi businesses to thrive,' Mr Luxon says. China is New Zealand's largest source of international students and is our third-largest tourism market. 'This visit is about backing the recovery of international education and tourism and putting New Zealand front and centre as a world-class destination for travel, study, and long-term connection,' Mr Luxon says. The Prime Minister will meet China's top leadership, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, to discuss the comprehensive bilateral relationship and key regional and global issues. 'The challenging global outlook makes it vital that we are sharing perspectives and engaging China on issues that matter to New Zealand.' The Prime Minister will be accompanied by the 2025 Te Matatini champions, Te Kapa Haka o Ngatī Whakaue. The Prime Minister and his delegation will be in China from 17 to 20 June. Europe Mr Luxon will then travel on to Europe to undertake bilateral visits in Brussels and the Hague. He will meet with leaders, including from the European Union, to discuss trade, security, and the shifting geopolitical landscape. 'We have a high-quality trade relationship with the European Union, and the Netherlands and Belgium are gateways for New Zealand's growing exports to Europe,' Mr Luxon says. 'Since the early entry into force of the New Zealand-European Union Free Trade Agreement, Kiwi goods exports have grown by over 25 per cent, which is a more than NZ$1 billion increase." In the Netherlands, the Prime Minister will participate in the NATO Summit and hold one-on-one talks with a number of NATO leaders. 'Prosperity is only possible with security, and our discussions will focus on connections between the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security environments,' Mr Luxon says. New Zealand has been invited to the NATO Summit alongside other members of the Indo-Pacific Four - Australia, Japan and Korea. "I look forward to building our positive relationship with our European friends, and to forging stronger links with businesses and investors as part of our wider plan to rebuild New Zealand's economy.' The Prime Minister is in Europe from 21 to 25 June.
RNZ News
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
'Come for the haka, stay for the healing': Auckland celebrates haka without the competition
Among the rōpū who took the stage at Tāmaki Hakangāhau was the Auckland Anglican Māori Club, with five kaihaka performing who have been there since Sir Kingi Matutaera Ihaka founded the club in 1967. Photo: Supplied / Te Matatini Enterprises Tāmaki Makaurau came alive on Saturday as haka took centre stage at Spark Arena for Tāmaki Hakangāhau - a celebration of te reo , Māori culture and expression rather than competition. Carrying the wairua of Te Matatini 2025 , the kaupapa brought together kaihaka, whānau, rangatahi and tamariki under the banner: "Come for the haka, stay for the healing, leave as whānau." From seasoned performers like five-time Te Matatini champions Te Waka Huia (pictured) to haka-loving tamariki taking the stage for the first time – Hakangāhau brought together a full spectrum of talent. Photo: Supplied / Te Matatini Enterprises Te Waka Huia leader and haka expert Tāpeta Wehi said the event was a reminder of what haka can hold. "It's about kotahitanga. This is our space to stand together. To celebrate who we are." It was a chance to honour te ao Māori on their own terms - without the pressure of competition, he said. "We've all just come off the whakataetae (competitive) stage, and the whole wairua is different. Whakataetae, you're pretty intense, everyone's a little bit uptight, but at whakangahau you can go out there and have a bit of fun." Wehi said the kaupapa also offered space to nurture new talent and pass the legacy of haka on to the next generation. "We had a few young ones with us today; this is the time to introduce them to the big stage and celebrate together. "Look around - the sun's shining, the young people are here. We're celebrating our culture. We're celebrating our reo." Te Waka Huia leader and haka expert Tāpeta Wehi said Tāmaki Hakangāhau was a place for Māori to stand together and celebrate who they are as a people. Photo: Supplied / Te Matatini Enterprises Wehi, like many kaihaka, performed alongside his whānau, including his six-week-old mokopuna. "The waiata we were doing was about our tamariki and mokopuna - the future of who we are," he said. "I brought my mokopuna out to the front because she's going to grow up in that world." "She's going to grow up in te ao Māori, in te ao haka. We grew up in that world, and this is just a time to pass it all on to our mokopuna. They're the future." Tāmaki Hakangākau also celebrated te ao Māori off-stage, hosting a kaupapa Māori market featuring kai, taonga, kākahu and fundraising stalls in support of local whānau, kura and Māori-led initiatives. Among those fundraising were Adria and Gianne from Te Kōhanga Reo o Kākāriki, who were offering $5 moko - glitter options included. Te Kōhanga Reo o Kākāriki were offering tāmoko to whānau at Tāmaki Hakangāhau - raising pūtea for their kōhanga. Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ They said the day created a space for tamariki to see te ao Māori celebrated unapologetically. "It's really nice to be in a Māori environment, to be with your own people," Adria said. "It's also really nice for those who aren't Māori to come and be with us too, in a Māori environment." Gianne said the kaupapa created an environment where tamariki could see themselves reflected proudly on stage and in the crowd. "All of these things come naturally to all of us, especially being in kōhanga reo. "This is what our kids see and breathe, live every day. So, it's normal, normal to me. Therefore, it's important to remain in these spaces." Nga Tumanako who placed 3rd at Te Matatini 2025 took the stage at Tāmaki Hakangāhau with young and passionate kaihaka. Photo: Supplied / Te Matatini Enterprises Adria said it was also beautiful to see tamariki wearing moko proudly. "It's so fun and they love it. Why would you take something away from our tamariki that they're enjoying? Why would you disparage that? It's unnecessary." Gianne added that no matter what ministers say in Parliament - referencing NZ First leader Winston Peters calling Rawiri Waititi's mataora "scribbles" - they will continue to be unapologetically Māori. "And we're trying to normalise scribbles. It's beautiful. Come and tautoko our mokopuna and scribble the world!" Ākonga from Te Wānanga Takiura o Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Aotearoa, Rawiri Howard, Terina Taia, Charlie O'Sullivan and Jaksyn Hepi-Ngarongo. Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ Ākonga on their reo Māori journey from Te Wānanga Takiura o Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Aotearoa were also in attendance, supporting their kaiako and soaking in the performances. "The muscle fritters were really good but I loved watching the babies performing with the ropū," Terina Taia said, adding that it was heartwarming to see kaumātua and tamariki alike on stage. "It was also really cool to be able to understand the kaupapa," "Being able to understand the kōrero from the kaimihi without asking someone else - that was amazing." Fellow ākonga Jaksyn Hepi-Ngarongo said while he didn't catch every word, he felt the essence through the wairua. "I didn't understand some of it, but I could feel it. That was my understanding - I could feel the meaning." The group said it was a day of being proud to be Māori. Te Poho o Hinekahukura closed their performance with a mihi to Te Pāti Māori, singing the waiata 'Be Proud to be Māori.' Photo: Supplied / Te Matatini Enterprises On the day, many haka rōpū didn't shy away from politics, some directing pointed messages at government ministers, including Winston Peters. Wehi said the stage was the right place to share those narratives. "Our action song was about this - the kōhanga reo movement, the kura kaupapa, and our children," he said. Despite some of the "low blows" Māori have faced this year, Wehi said the community had only grown stronger. "We're strong people, we're resilient. And this is what we're all about - keep moving, whānau. Kotahitanga, unity, is what's gonna get us over the line." Another key message across performances was the importance of voting, with many rōpū encouraging Māori to "kaua e nōti, puta ki te pōti" ahead of the upcoming election. "Kua tae te wā. This is the time. We have to vote. We saw what's been going on in Whare Pāremata (Parliament) this week," Wehi told RNZ. "If you don't vote, then don't moan, whānau." Te Kapa Haka o Te Wharekura o Hoani Waititi Marae – the top qualifying rōpū from Tāmaki Makaurau for Mana Kuratahi ki Mataatua 2025 – delivered a powerful bracket on Saturday. Photo: Supplied / Te Matatini Enterprises Haka expert and leader of Te Rōpū Manutaki Paora Sharples said kapa haka remains a powerful platform to reflect the lived realities of Māori. "It's a way of acknowledging what's happening to us as Māori - not just in the past or future, but right now." He said the political kōrero of the week - including comments by NZ First leader Winston Peters and the debate around Te Pāti Māori - echoed in many brackets over the weekend. "It's an example of the power of kapa haka and our ability to keep our language and our customs alive through these forms of expression." Kaihaka from Te Rōpū Manutaki at Tāmaki Hakangāhau 2025. Photo: Supplied / Te Matatini Enterprises Sharples also urged whānau to take that energy to the ballot box. "That's what we should all be doing - voting. That's where it counts. It's no good us marching up and down the street if we don't vote." He encouraged Māori to keep the kōrero going - whether that be online or on stage. "That's something we need to keep talking about in all our different mediums, online, as well as in physical manifestations like kapa haka." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Tāmaki Makaurau to celebrate te ao Māori with kapa haka showcase
This year's Tāmaki Hakangāhau includes 30-minute kapa haka meet-and-greet sessions - a first for the event - giving haka fans a chance to connect directly with performers backstage. Photo: Supplied / Te Matatini / Tāmaki Hakangāhau Haka fans will come together this weekend to celebrate te ao Māori through haka, waiata and whanaungatanga at Tāmaki Hakangāhau - a non-competitive kapa haka event designed to bring audiences closer to the action. The kaupapa will take place on Saturday at Auckland's Spark Arena, and feature 10 haka rōpū from the region - ranging from veteran performers to tamariki. It also includes a Māori business hub, and a mass waiata singalong to close the night. One of the event organisers, Moko Templeton, said it aimed to turn spectators into participants, with a focus on connection and community. "This isn't just about watching haka," she said. "It's about feeling the whenua shake beneath you, letting tears flow as waiata fills your heart, and leaving with your wairua cup overflowing. "Whether you're on stage, backstage or in the crowd, you're part of the whānau." Tāmaki Hakangāhau is a non-competitive Kapa Haka event, showcasing rōpū from across the Auckand region. Photo: Supplied / Te Matatini / Tāmaki Hakangāhau The kaupapa comes just in time for Matariki celebrations, which Templeton said was a time to reflect, reset and reconnect. "Tāmaki Hakangāhau is our way of wrapping our arms around the entire community." This year's event included 30-minute kapa haka meet-and-greet sessions - a first for the event - giving haka fans a chance to connect directly with performers backstage. Jeff Ruha, kaiako (tutor) of Te Poho o Hinekahukura, said haka had the power to uplift peopel going through tough times. "Every performer stands as medicine for whānau going through hardships," he said. "The world of haka is sustenance - it feeds souls and heals hearts." Organisers say the event is about connection, healing and uplifting the community through haka and waiata. Photo: Supplied / Te Matatini / Tāmaki Hakangāhau At the end of the event, more than 100 kaihaka will lead a mass performance of 'Waerea', the karakia made famous by Ngā Tūmanako at Te Matatini in 2019. Attendees were encouraged to bring their poi and join in the singalong. Alongside the performances, the arena will also host a kaupapa Māori market with kai, taonga, kākahu and fundraising stalls supporting local whānau, kura and Māori-led initiatives. The event was supported by Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, Spark Arena, Te Matatini, and mana whenua Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Tāmaki Hakangāhau takes place June 7 at Aucklands Spark Arena. Photo: Supplied / Tāmaki Hakangāhau
