Performances from nga rōpu kapa haka o Waikato and Te Tai Tokerau.

Performances from nga rōpu kapa haka o Te Arawa.

Performances from nga rōpu kapa haka o Te Waipounamu and Ahitereiria (Australia).

Performances from nga rōpu kapa haka o Mataatua.

Performances from nga rōpu kapa haka o Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotea, Tākitimu, and Rangitāne.

Performances from nga rōpu kapa haka o Te Tairāwhiti.

Part 1 of the Te Matatini 2005 finals day.

Part 2 of the Te Matatini 2005 finals day.

Kapa Haka 2002 - Aotearoa Traditional Māori Performing Arts Festival: 22-24 February, Takaparawhau (Bastion Point), Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)

Kapa Haka 2002 - Aotearoa Traditional Māori Performing Arts Festival: 22-24 February, Takaparawhau (Bastion Point), Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)

Kapa Haka 2002 - Aotearoa Traditional Māori Performing Arts Festival: 22-24 February, Takaparawhau (Bastion Point), Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)

Ngāti Whatua hosts coverage of the Aotearoa Traditional Māori Performing Arts Festival.

Highlights of performances by Tāmaki Makaurau rōpū.

Welcome to the Māori Television coverage of the Te Matatini National Kapa Haka finals for 2015. Includes introductory remarks from presenter Mātai Rangi Smith and his two reporters on the scene Kahurangi Maxwell and Chey Milne.

Te Kapa Haka o Kairanga are the first to grace the Te Matatini national stage this morning at Pūtaringamotu in Christchurch, and have set the standard high for today's performances. In 1998, Te Rōpū Haka O Kairanga was established to allow members to perform in the NZ Army’s inaugural cultural festival held in Waiouru in 1999. The name "Kairanga" was chosen for the group, drawing upon the significance of Linton Camp and its location pertaining to Ngāti Hineaute. In 2006, Kairanga represented for the first time competing at the Te Mata Waiora Kapa Haka Regionals held in Palmerston North. A sense of pride and eagerness manifests within the group. They remain poised for battle as the opening act and uplifted by the fact they are the first military group in history to perform at Te Matatini. Their mission is to promote and sustain the cultural ethos of Ngāti Tūmatauenga utilising Māori Performing Arts (MPA) as a means to bridge cultural inequalities in modern society. They aim to do this by providing a developmental platform for whānau and soldiers, using MPA as the linchpin to foster commitment, courage, comradeship and integrity. By doing this, they are able to have an influence on “operational effectiveness” at home, work, society and on active service around the world. The group leaders are Pita Savage, Mark te Hau, Nigo Maruera and Kristal Koia.

Ngāti Rangiwewehi from the Te Arawa region are the second group to take the stage on Day 1 of Te Matatini 2015, and as the venue starts to fill, spectators coming through were treated to a powerful performance. The group tutors this year are Deana Rika, Dan Vaka and Te Whānau o Ngāti Rangiwewehi, and their leaders today are Deana Rika and Murray Bidois. The two-time national winning rōpū made an impressive return to the national stage; their last national win was in 1996 on home soil in Rotorua, and their first win was in 1983 in Hastings. Their mission as a kapa is to promote their "Rangiwewehitanga" through performing arts, to stand proud as descendants of Ngāti Rangiwewehi and ensure the legacy continues for generations to come.

The first group from the host region Waitaha, Te Pao a Tahu, have taken to the stage this morning of Day 1 at Te Matatini 2015, following yesterday's moving welcoming ceremony. The group tutors are Corban Te Aika, Ana Buchanan and Henare Te Aika-Puanaki, and leading this year are Corban Te Aika and Ana Buchanan. Te Pao a Tahu made their debut just last year at the Waitaha Regional Kapa Haka competition, and won third place to qualify for this year's Te Matatini. Te Pao a Tahu originated out of a strong desire to strengthen the Ngāi Tahu presence and mana in kapa haka at all levels. Corban and Ana explained once off the stage this morning, they will have a kai, a short rest, then the team will be out and about looking after their manuhiri, the multitudes who have come to Christchurch this week.

Five-time national champions, Te Waka Huia, packed out the viewing areas this morning as they took to the stage at Te Matatini 2015. The name "Te Waka Huia" was given by Dr Ngapo Wehi, meaning a taonga containing precious treasures, as he perceived each member as an individual treasure of the group. Te Waka Huia was first formed as a whānau group when Ngapo and Pimia relocated from Waihirere, Gisborne to Auckland. At the request of immediate family members keen to pursue Māori culture through performing arts, Te Waka Huia was born. In 1986, they made kapa haka history being the first group to win a national competition as debutantes to the event, which was the last nationals held in Christchurch. The Auckland-based group is tutored and lead by Tāpeta and Annette Wehi, and have a long-standing record of placing in the top tier of elite haka groups. At the last Te Matatini Festival in Rotorua, they won the overall Duncan McIntyre Trophy, which they returned yesterday during the pōhiri at Pūtaringamotu. Followed by brief highlights/recap of the first four groups.

Te Pikikōtuku o Rongomai was the second group to represent Te Arawa rohe at Te Matatini 2015 for Day 1 performances. The crowd was blown away by Te Pikikōtuku o Rongomai's performance today at Pūtaringamotu. Tutors and leaders, Tukiterangi and Renata Curtis lead their group onto the stage with a powerful whakaeke, named Te Pikikōtuku o Rongomai. Their kaupapa is "Ko te reo toku Atua. Ngāti Rongomai – ara ake!"

Hātea Kapa Haka is the first group to represent the Tai Tokerau region at this year's Te Matatini 2015 festival. Today they paid homage to a Ngāti Hine matriarch who resides in Christchurch, Tihi Puanaki, affectionately known as Whaea Tihi, in their waiata ā-ringa. This year, group tutors are Pauline, Joby, Otene and Marcia Hopa, with David Tapene. The membership is drawn from the whānau of their marae and extends to others who reside in Whangarei, as well as those who travel home from further afield. Hātea are well-known for their melodic voices with many anticipating their waiata tira following their successes in the choral section of the national competitions in 2007 and 2011. Hātea also won "Te Taonga ā Te Rōpū Waiata Māori o Aotearoa" for the best choral performance at Te Matatini 2013 held in Rotorua.

Manawa Mai Tawhiti comes to Te Matatini 2015 as the group who has travelled the longest distance, 5000km, from Perth, Western Australia to Christchurch. They explain that 'Manawa Mai Tawhiti' means yearning from afar, referring to the longing their members have for home - Aotearoa. Although they reside in Perth and the wider WA communities, Manawa Mai Tawhiti members believe in maintaining their Māori heritage while always respecting the other cultures, especially the indigenous people of Australia. Their tutors this year are: Matthew Paki, Shannon Tukiwaho, Rapata Hoko, Kararaina Reedy, and Monique Poi. The leaders today are Rāpata Hoko and Tāonga O Te Aroha Thomson-Lawrence. Matthew Paki told Te Kāea, "It feels great to finally be here in the South Island, to see Aoraki and meet the other top teams." It hasn't been an easy for Manawa Mai Tawhiti to get to Te Matatini. Paki explains, "It cost nearly $100,000 for plane tickets, accommodation, bus fares and costumes for our performance. That's what we were aiming for but our main goal has always been to ensure we hold on to our culture." Te Pā o Rākaihautū is home for the 40 Perth performers over this week. Followed by brief highlights/recap of the four late morning groups and lunch break interviews.

Ngā Uri o Tamarau was formed in 2012 as a ngahau group to perform at their regional cultural festival, and to also help tell their iwi's stories. From that festival, they advanced to make their debut at the 2013 Te Matatini competition held in Rotorua, and are excited to have taken the national stage again. The group's tutors and leaders are Kura Moehau and Wikitoria Ratu. Kura Moeahu had stated in an earlier report, that he wanted to unite his iwi, and one common ancestor all hapū and whānau link to is Tamarau, the father of Awanuiarangi. Ngā Uri o Tamarau aims to increase mana whenua participation in the Wellington region while educating and empowering rōpū members and the wider community. This, in turn, will help to fuel a sense of belonging while strengthening whanaungatanga, will enable them to share their region's history, and keep their iwi dialect alive.

Muriwhenua is a group from Te Tai Tokerau which consists of five Far North tribes, namely Ngāti Kuri, Te Aupōuri, Ngāi Takoto, Ngāti Kahu and Te Rarawa. Muriwhenua entered the competitive haka section in 2010 and for the first time last year, they won the regional title. They focus heavily on retaining issues around the region of Muriwhenua and they also continue to ensure the revitalisation of Te Reo. Performer Ikanui Kingi-Waiaua says "I can tell you now that it's alive and it's still kicking, and is underpinned by the belief and need to show our children and our grandchildren that it's awesome to be Māori, to be someone from this region." Followed by brief highlights/recap of the last four groups.

Te Aitanga a Hauiti ki Ūawa was the first of the Tairāwhiti groups perform before the masses of Te Matatini supporters in Pūtaringamotu. Reo Māori expert Dr Wayne Ngata, and leader of the group, shared his thoughts on the competition and the judging criteria at Te Matatini with Te Kāea recently. "That's the good thing about Te Matatini and I'm speaking about the competitions here on the East Coast. We've had the Tamararo Competitions for 60 years and it’s through competition that winners are made. The judges have a heavy task and we should appreciate that. They have to carefully evaluate the execution and reo in the each performance. That's something judges have to prepare for, not so much the performers. They need to be knowledgeable and competent."

Te Ahikōmau a Hamoterangi are the second host group to perform today at Te Matatini 2015 at Pūtaringamotu, a group steeped in kapa haka history.Te Ahikōmau ki Hamoterangi started from their senior team Te Ahikāroa. Male leader of the group, Raniera Dallas told Te Kāea in a recent interview, “The main focus of Te Ahikōmau and Te Ahikāroa is family. That's what's important to us, family, from the babies to the adults to the elders. That's what we are all about." Performer Waipounamu Te Karu told Te Kāea, “Te Ahikōmau started in 2012 but Te Ahikāroa, the senior group, started in 1993, so there are two groups. Te Ahikāroa is for the elders and the youth. Te Ahikōmau o Hamoterangi is the competing team for the most part.” The group was part of the huge Waitaha contingency who welcomed the nation in yesterday's pōhiri ceremony; a very emotional experience for the hosts.

Pareārau are the first to take the Te Matatini 2015 stage from the Kahungunu region today. It is also their national debut. The group was established in 2006 at the request of their Te Ara Reo Māori ākonga (students) from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Heretaunga and Ahuriri to learn the Ngāti Kahungunu and Rongomaiwahine waiata and haka. They may be new to the competitive kapa haka scene, but they bring with them a powerful message. Aaron Parekura Matehe told Te Kāea, “Our children are still getting hurt, some even being killed like Delcelia Witika, Jame Whakaruru who were murdered. This haka was written for them, for the Kahui twins, Nia Glassie and the many children who have been victims of abuse.” Tutor Jackie Irihuia Ham says, “This is such a huge honour for us. It's a first for Pareārau, starting out as an entertainment group. Now the main focus of the group is to do justice to all our Ngāti Kahungunu and Rongomaiwahine songs, chants and haka.” The group's tutors this year are Jackie Irihuia Ham, Matewai Timu-Fosio and Aaron Parekura Matehe, with Matewai and Aaron standing as today's leaders.

Established in 1995, Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti believe in nurturing the younger generation in Te Whakatōhea's tikanga, kawa and whakapono as the end-all of kapa haka. After four years as runners-up, Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti reclaimed its title as winners of the 2013 Mataatua Kapa Haka competition over two-time winners, Te Whānau-a-Apanui. Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti is the first Mataatua group to take the Te Matatini 2015 stage. In 2007, they were placed third overall at the Te Matatini festival held in Rangitāne, today they left it all out on the stage. In a recent interview with Te Kāea, their tutor Te Kāhautu Maxwell ensures that his troops use their history as their philosophy, "The tragedy was the confiscation of lands, the tragedy was the hanging of our innocent ancestor, Mokomoko. All that history makes us who we are, Te Whakatōhea."

With the blessing and support of Te Arikinui Te Ātairangikaahu in 2005, Te Pou o Mangataawhiri (TPM) was reformed under the leadership of Ngāria and Tony Walker. Since its return, TPM has represented Tainui waka at the past three Te Matatini Ffstivals, and in each one, claiming a spot in the Top 9 placings. Formed by Princess Te Puea Herangi in the 1920s, Te Pou o Mangatawhiri began as a concert party to raise funds for the construction of Tūrangawaewae Marae in Ngāruawāhia. TPM was in limbo for decades but, after two unsuccessful attempts, the rōpū was revived in 2005, and it has since been finding plenty of inspiration from its past. The rōpū is tutored by the Walkers who are both school teachers and started tutoring kapa haka at Bernard Fergusson school in Ngāruawāhia. Most of the members of the group are former school students or their families. Te Pou o Mangatāwhiri competed in the 2013 Matatini competition hosted by Te Arawa in Rotorua. Although they did not secure a spot in the top 3 placings, they took out the Haka Composition and Waiata Hou categories, and placed third in the Poi Composition. For the past year, Te Pou o Mangatāwhiri have taken the plunge and helping the homeless of Hamilton under the initiative the Hamilton Homeless Trust. Female leader Melaina Huaki says, "This is a way for my team to be inspired and continue on the philosophies of Te Puea and that's our kaupapa we take with us down to Christchurch." Followed by brief highlights/recap of the final three Te Ihu groups.

Welcome to the second of Māori Television coverage of the Te Matatini National Kapa Haka finals for 2015 from presenter Mātai Rangi Smith.

Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga lead the way this morning at Pūtaringamotu for Day 2 - Te Haumi of Te Matatini 2015. Despite the rain this morning, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga (NKH) paid a moving tribute to former Chairperson of the Ngāti Kahungunu Runanga Arts and Culture Board and Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated Taumata member, the late Tama Huata, who recently passed away. During the pōhiri day for Te Matatini 2015, the group and the wider Kahungunu contingent brought Tama Huata's 'kawe mate' to present to the nation honouring his contribution to kapa haka throughout his lifetime. NKH qualified last year at the Kahungunu Regional competition placing third overall, joining Pareārau, Ngāti Ranginui and Te Rerenga Kōtuku. On Sunday when Te Matatini comes to a close, Ngāti Kahungunu rohe will take on the mauri of Te Matatini as the next hosts of the national competition in Feb 2017.

Ngā Uri o Te Whanoa are no newcomers to the national stage, and are the third Te Arawa group from six to perform at Pūtaringamotu. Established in 2006, Ngā Uri o Te Whanoa is a tight-knit whānau. The original rōpu was made up of performers from the Maxwell, Mitchell, Grant and Morrison whānau. Since then, a number of other whānau have also joined Ngā Uri o Te Whanoa. The group have been blessed with the teachings of Te Arawa kapa haka stalwarts Trevor Maxwell and his late wife Atareta Maxwell as well as Sir Howard Morrison himself. Ngā Uri o Te Whanoa also acknowledge their links to Ngāti Whakaue and pay homage to their eponymous ancestor Te Whanoa.

Australian-based rōpū, Te Rāranga Whānui was established in 2009, and today, they were lead by Wayne Prentice and Erana Moses onto Pūtaringamotu. In 2012, they took out the top placing at the Australian National Māori Performing Arts Festival held in Canberra, which advanced them to Te Matatini held in Rotorua last year.

Today marks Hokianga's second national appearance following their impressive debut in Rotorua, 2013. The kapa was born in 2011 out of the dreams and aspirations of the collective families of Hokianga who are committed to the positive development of kapa haka in their rohe. Their rōpū goals include being role models for the younger generations, assisting in the revival and maintenance of Hokianga kōrero, tikanga and kawa specific to the Hokianga area, positive engagement (whanaungatanga) amongst whānau, with kapa haka being the vehicle to making that possible, healthy lifestyles and positive achievements in kapa haka, on and off stage. Their tutors are Nore and Jasmine Martin, Nore and Paane Thomas standing as Hokianga's leaders.

Te Reanga Mōrehu o Rātana is the first Aotea rohe group to take to the 2015 Te Matatini stage at Pūtaringamotu. Formed in 1997, Te Reanga Mōrehu have consistently placed amongst the top groups of the Aotea region, today is their fifth appearance at national level. Te Reanga Mōrehu o Rātana have worked hard to retain their dialect and uphold the teachings of Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana, prophet and founder of the Rātana religion. The group also acknowledge their religious ties through the moon and star symbolism seen on their uniforms. Tutors of the group are Te Oranga Tamou and Te Taepa Kameta. This year, the faith-based group's theme will be the physical laws and the spiritual laws. Maria Whanarere told Te Kāea, “I don't really know the right words to accurately describe the emotion that you can feel here. It's one of religion, of being Māori, being a family, all of those sorts of emotions which have been mixed together in one big pot and it's boiling and overflowing. That's the feeling.” Taepa Kameta said, “My job is a difficult one because our group has to be ready. If not, well the fault lies with me. That's what some might think anyway, that it's my fault, but I'm prepared to take that. I told the group 60% of the work is up to them, the other 40% will be left to the Almighty Spirit to guide us." Whanarere also said, “The level at Te Matatini is a calibre unto itself. I believe it's the highest calibre of all Māori performing arts across the country and indeed the world. In saying that, those in our region are very much staunch to our unique style, the performance style of Aotea, Taranaki, Whanganui, and this is us performing as Mōrehu.” Followed by brief highlights/recap of the first four Te Haumi groups.

Te Mātārae I Ōrehu took the use of props to another level today at Te Matatini, with a literal interpretation of Te Ahi Kōmau on stage. Led by Wetini Mitai-Ngatai, the group presented a powerful performance to a packed-out arena. Te Mātārae I Ōrehu was created over 20 years ago, and have grown from strength to strength. Haka and Māori weaponry exponent, Te Irirangi Tiakiawa aimed to create a group that would maintain traditional haka, weaponry and movements. Te Mātārae I Ōrehu aims to personify and perpetuate stories, the history of Māori culture and its forbears. Their aspiration is to celebrate the future while acknowledging the past.

After nearly 20 years of working towards qualifying for Te Matatini, Tūtara Kauika have made their debut on the national stage at Pūtaringamotu. The rōpū, based in Tauranga Moana, was founded in 1994 by Awanui Black. Tūtara Kauika ki Rangataua dedicated their captivating regional performance to the historical Battle of Pukehinahina. Today, they brought along their kaupapa, and red paint, to leave a lasting impression of their spectators. Their tutors are Awanuiaarangi Black, Maia Wharekura, Kiharoa Nuku, Rikirau Luttenberger and Teraania Ormsby-Teki, and their leaders are Maia Wharekura and Teraania Ormsby-Teki.

Tū Te Manawa Maurea entertained the masses at Pūtaringamotu today as the second of the four Tairāwhiti groups to compete at Te Matatini 2015. Tū Te Manawa Maurea was established in 2006, from the powerhouse of kapa haka that is Waihīrere Māori Culture Club. Based in Manutūkē, a small settlement out of Gisborne, Tū Te Manawa Maurea placed third equal at the Te Matatini held in Rotorua, their highest national placing to date. This year, the group is tutored by Teina Moetara, Christine Moetara and Lorraine Brown. Their kaupapa is to actively engage with their own place, space, history, reo, and relationships with people and environment. "Tū te Manawa Maurea aspires to use art to explore potential ways to be in the world after-all, we are artists. We descend from great innovators. Innovation means leading from out of the unknown. The unknown relies on our abilities to work with difference. The difference of others grows our own understanding of ourselves."

With only 4 groups who competed in Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka Kapa Haka Regionals, Te Whatukura is the only Nelson-based haka group to qualify for Te Matatini. Te Whatukura haka club have not only been perfecting their performance but the group, like many others across the nation, has been actively training to become “Haka Fit” in preparation for Te Matatini. The group is tutored by Tom Alesana, Tiana Alesana, Aaron Tamepō, Āwhina Kihi and Wayne Hippolite, and was formed from former secondary school students in their region, hence their original name, Ngā Kura. Their main purpose is to help kapa haka thrive amongst their youth, and to teach them the ways of old. This year, they pay homage to their matriarch Edna Puananī Hippolite who passed away in 2013.

Ngā Purapura o Te Taihauāuru have taken to the national stage today as the second group to represent Aotea rohe at Te Matatini 2015. Based in Whaitara, the group was first set up to retain te reo Māori and its customs, and to teach and recite the whakapapa of their tribal connections to Taranaki and the history of Parkihaka. All of which is done under the teachings and guidance of their spiritual leaders, Tohu Kākahi and Te Whiti o Rongomai. Ngā Purapura o Te Taihauāuru was founded by the late Poi Haututu Pue in June 2002. In 2009, the dream of performing at Te Matatini was fulfilled, and they've since learnt that kapa haka is more than representing the Maunga and kaupapa Māori; it is a lifestyle, whether marae-based, on the stage or elsewhere. The group is tutored by Tony Pue, Tamzyn Pue,Ashley Urwin, Te Aroha Broughton-Pue and Matthew Tuuta-Rawiri, and their leaders today are Matthew Tuuta-Rawiri and Te Aroha Broughton-Pue.

Tūranga Ake is a Brisbane-based haka group, who takes to the Te Matatini stage for the second time today at Pūtaringamotu. Formed in 2008, members of the group originate from a range of iwi, however the group has a strong Tairāwhiti influence. The group made their performance debut on an Australian national stage in Canberra in 2012. Their performance made a lasting impression, placing second and qualifying for Te Matatini 2013. Tūranga Ake aims to maintain their Māori customs, values and traditions through Māori performing arts, dance and drama. They strive to provide the vehicle to do so for all ages and further promote whakawhānaungatanga amongst the rōpū and wider Māori community residing in Brisbane, Australia. Their tutors are Treyci Maynard, Andre and Gaylene Ahipene, and their leaders are Andre (Dre) and Gaylene (Ngati).

Recap of the previous four group performances followed by a series of interviews with both notable guests and the gathered crowd during the lunch break.

Hoani Waititi Marae was the birth place of Te Rōpū Manutaki, a haka group that was formed by Dr Pita Sharples in 1968 as the founding tutor and leader. Now they have found a new lease of life under the tutelage of long-serving performer, Te Hira Paenga. Te Rōpū Manutaki are now in their fourth generation of performers, where the world and the language has changed, so their style of performance has changed too. Paenga told Te Kāea, "We've been active for 47 years. The children in the group at the time of its inception now have children themselves. We're now into our fourth generation of performers and the world and the language has changed, so performance has changed too."

Te Kapa Haka o Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti impressed the masses today at Pūtaringamotu, returning to the national kapa haka stage once again. The group was first established in 1961 and later revived in the year 1976. Following Whāngārā elders urging that their customs and traditions be protected and kept alive, the group as we know it today was formed in 1995. Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti is taught by renowned tutor, cultural consultant, composer and respected tāmoko artist, Derek Lardelli. The overarching purpose of Te Kapa Haka o Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti is to build, develop and enhance the cultural, intellectual, economic and human assets and capital of Whāngārā-Mai-Tawhiti through kapa haka to benefit Ngāti Konohi. Followed by brief highlights/recap of the previous four groups.

This is the fifth time that Ngā Tūmanako has performed at Te Matatini since their inception in 2005. The group's tutors are Kawariki Morgan and Jade Maipi, and their leaders today are Te Raina Kaipara and Kawariki. Ngā Tūmanako was originally founded for and by foundation students of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae, the first ever kura kaupapa Māori. Ngā Tūmanako aim to promote the survival of Te Reo Māori and the Māori culture through the medium of performing arts. The three diamonds seen on their kapa haka uniforms represent the three baskets of knowledge. The colour of their uniforms also holds meaning; black represents the night, white represents the moon and red represents the earth. Followed by brief highlights/recap of the final three groups in Te Haumi.

Welcome to the Māori Television coverage of the third and final day of heats for Te Matatini National Kapa Haka finals for 2015. Includes remarks and commentary from presenter Mātai Rangi Smith.

Ngā Taonga Mai Tawhiti delivered a strong performance on Day 3 - Te Kei of Te Matatini 2015 at Pūtaringamotu. The Wellington-based group is tutored by Merlene Maxwell-Wehi and Wiremu Kerekere Wehi. The purpose of the rōpū is to provide an opportunity for all to bathe in the fruits of knowledge handed down through the corridors of time by our Māori ancestors. To transform their whānau by uplifting self-awareness, self-autonomy and healthy lifestyles through engaging in whakapapa, whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, aroha and wairuatanga. Today's leaders are Eugene Temara and Ginny Maxwell. Followed by brief highlights/recap of the first four groups of Te Kei.

Today, Te Matapihi has taken the national stage as the third rōpū to represent Aotea rohe at Te Matatini 2015. The tutors of the group are the Moku whānau (The family of Morvin and Kura Simon – Kahurangi, Maramapai, Lynaire Rohario, Kahamai-te-rangi, Tona, Turehu), and their leaders today are Tona and Maramapai Simon. "​Hinerēhia e pā ana ki Te Awa Tupua, hei matapihi ki te ao kohatu, hei matapihi ki te ao āpōpō hoki." "Whilst that has been the guiding principle for the team since our beginning, with the huge loss of both our original kaitātaki in Morvin Te Anatipa Simon and Jacinta ‘Dolly’ Patea, among the many others who answered the Lord’s call, we dedicate all our mahi to them for the great examples they continue to provide for us as descendants of the River and Māori in general."

Tūtū Kā'ika is the last group to represent Aotea rohe at Te Matatini 2015 at Pūtaringamotu, Christchurch. The rōpū was formed in 2009, and placed with their strong debut performance at the 2010 Aotea Regionals. This advanced them to the national competition, Te Matatini o Te Rā, held at Waiōhika, Te Tairāwhiti in 2011. While striving for kapa haka excellence, for Tūtū Kā'ika a greater emphasis has been placed on w'ānau wellness, higher education, and creating employment opportunities for their community. Members of this whānau adhere to their mottos, 'Kia ka'a, kia maia, kia manawa tūtū kā'ika' and 'Papa'hu' - or 'Flames on!' Their male leader is Clive Tongaawhikau Jnr (Ngārua’inerangi, Ngāti Ruanui), and their female leader is Kotuku Kaiki (Ngāti Maniapoto, Taranaki). The group's tutors are Clive and Wharekuka Tongaawhikau.

Te Iti Kahurangi took to the stage today as the second of four groups to represent Tainui waka at Te Matatini 2015. The rōpū was established in 2003, and have had a strong presence at national level ever since. "My haka group is Te Iti Kahurangi. We only started with 12 performers and stood for the first time in Gisborne. Then we decided to expand our club," explains tutor and male leader, Kingi Kiriona in a recent interview with Te Kāea.

Kataore wowed the crowd with their theatrical performance today at Pūtaringamotu with their creative use of props. Kataore hails from the Te Arawa region, and was established in 2009 to provide a positive environment for their whānau and especially their youth. The tutors of the group are Thomas Wharerau, Piripi Christie, Riki Bishop and Rie Morris. Riki Bishop told Te Kāea, "Even though the name Kataore derives from a taniwha, a serpent-lizard, that doesn't depict the atmosphere of the group. It enables the audience to hear, to feel, to be immersed in the messages not only about Te Arawa but throughout NZ." He also said that Kataore's aim for this year was to perform something different, something that hasn't been seen in previous years. It's safe to say that they have achieved that goal today.