Te Tai Tokerau Kapa Haka Roadshow 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.