Hatea Kapa Haka
Latest update
Hatea Kapa Haka happenings
January and February were full on months for Hatea in the build up to Te Matatini. Waitangi Day was again a focus for the roopu. We were absolutely ecstatic to perform up on the Treaty Grounds out in front of the flagstaff. Our performances were well received. A couple from Auckland loved our performance and so they approached Joby to ask for an address to send a cheque to. Of course Joby obliged. On our return from Te Matatini we received a cheque for $250 from them. We duly sent a thank you card and a DVD of our Te Matatini performance.
Te Matatini was a mixed bag this time around. The weather was mostly wet. Our performance went well and we felt we had a shot at the Top 9. Unfortunately that didn’t happen for us this time. Heoi ano, we did come away with a Win in the Waiata Tira section- our second for this particular prize. You will be happy to know that our marae and hapu were well represented and we continue to receive heartening feedback from all quarters.
Back home from Te Matatini didn’t mean resting up. In fact life got quite busy; including a wedding, a show for yachties departing Whangarei for warmer climes, recording tracks for the Project Promise CD as well as organising, hosting and performing at the Tai Tokerau Kapa Haka Roadshow. (See the media release) and of course ANZAC DAY. We were also featured at the annual Mayoral Dinner last week.
Coming up for us now is the Koroneihana and the Tai Tokerau Junior Regionals for Hatea Marama Pai.
Members of Hatea have also been studying towards a Bachelor of Maori Performing Arts-our first graduands will graduate in March 2012
August 2012 Hatea will be going to Hawaii to support Te Manahua Kapa Haka competition. We will be fundraising for the trip and looking for any fundraising opportunities.
Finally our aroha goes out to Uncle Ngu’s, Papa Rima Eruera’s and Aunty Queenie Wolfgramm’s whanau. Moe mai ra koutou
Tai Tokerau Kapa Haka Roadshow April 2011
More than Six hundred Whangarei people packed out Forum North’s Te Kotahitanga Theatre at Sunday April 10th's Tai Tokerau Kapa Haka Roadshow. The expectant audience was not let down as three of Tai Tokerau’s best Kapa Haka groups enthralled and exhilarated the crowd with Maori culture at its best.
Wiremu Hohaia from New Zealand’s Idol opened the show, showcasing his vocals with three soulful renditions.
Muriwhenua from the Far North burst onto the stage with vigour displaying their passion, commitment and kapa haka skill. The deftness of the mau rakau (weaponry) by the men combined with their boisterous chants and haka set the stage alight.
To follow was a charming interlude performance by the Martin Sisters, Maiadean, 10, on violin and Xena, 14, on cello; who were rehearsing in the adjoining theatre preparing for a concert with the Northland Sinfonia, and happily accepted the invitation to come next door to do an impromptu performance.
Te Whare o Puhi led by Tumamao Harawira came to the stage presenting a waiata (song) rich with Maori harmonies. They went on to present the programme bracket they took to Te Matatini o Te Ra (National Kapa Haka competition) in February. Their haka performance was magnificent as leader and warriors interacted in fierce coordination ably supported by their vibrant retinue of women.
The final spot of the day was left to Whangarei’s own Hatea Kapa Haka. Hatea recently returned from Te Matatini o Te Ra having taken out 1st place and national honours in the Waiata Tira (choral) section. Their performance left the crowd in no doubt as to why they claimed this prestigious award.
Luke Bird and Marcia Hopa as MC’s kept the audience entertained with their witty banter punctuated with Maori humour and laughter. They took every opportunity to promote the raffles and Silent Auction all to aid the relief effort in Christchurch.
The audience was taken on a Kapa Haka experience par excellence as they were festooned with Waiata ,Haka, Poi and Moteatea; a cultural feast not often seen.
And to top it off all the proceeds, some $2,800 is going to the Otautahi-Christchurch earthquake relief effort.
Special mention must be given to Mayor Cutforth, Deputy-Mayor Halse and ALAC (Alcohol Advisory Council) for sponsoring the venue and to the organisers Hatea Kapa Haka.
Page last updated 11 May 2011
