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.

Te Matatini 2015. Every two years, Te Matatini organises the Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival, where top kapa haka teams from New Zealand and Australia compete for the honour of being crowned the best of the best. The festival started in 1972 and is now the world’s largest celebration of Māori traditional performing arts, attracting over 30,000 performers, supporters and visitors. The competition is held over four days with 45 teams split into three pools, Te Ihu, Te Haumi and Te Kei. The three teams with the highest combined marks from each pool will compete in the competition finals. The nine finalists are then judged afresh to determine the new Toa Whakaihuwaka - overall agreggate winner. Kapa haka teams are required to perform six disciplines within their performance piece - whakaeke (a choreographed entry), mōteatea (traditional chant), poi (light ball swung on the end of a rope), waiata-ā-ringa (action song), haka and whakawātea (exit). They must perfect every discipline in a polished 30 minute performance.