National school kapa haka competitors 'humbled' to be in Whakatū Nelson
Tuesday, 31 October 2023
It was the culmination of months of hard work for nearly 2000 tamariki - including from three local schools – as they took to the stage in Whakatū Nelson this week for the country's biggest primary school kapa haka competition, Te Mana Kuratahi.
The first of 45 rōpū (groups) from across the motu performed at the Trafalgar Centre on Monday and Tuesday for the four-day event, the first time the national competition has been held in the South Island.
Tuia te Matangi, from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tuia te Matangi in Richmond, opened the competition.
A deputy principal at the kura, Shaeana Robson, said the kura’s name was drawn out of a hat for the honour – which she found fitting.
”I thought yes … that’s great.
”We [Whakatū] are going to be the face, he whakakanohi Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka, what better way to do that than have … the first kapa be here from Nelson.”
Tuia te Matangi had participated twice before in the national competition in the North Island, Robson said.
Having the national event in Whakatū allowed the city to showcase manaakitanga to all of the motu, she said.
”As we gear up for [the national kapa haka] secondary school competitions next year and eventually hosting Te Matatini [in 2027], this is just the stepping stone.”
Tuia te Matangi took first place in the regional competition last year, with Te Pītau Whakarei/Nelson Intermediate and Ngā Mātātupu from Parklands School in Motueka also qualifying.
Te Pītau Whakarei/Nelson Intermediate took to the stage on Tuesday, straight after defending champions, Te Kura o Te Paroa from Whakatāne.
Nelson Intermediate associate principal Nicky Chalmers said the students were full of “good nerves” ahead of their performance.
“It’s extremely exciting, they’ve just worked so hard, and they’re so passionate to tell their stories of the tangata whenua of their Tupuna.”
It was the first time Parklands School would take part in the national competition, with Ngā Mātātupu scheduled to perform on Wednesday.
Head tutor Tamu Mausii said it was also the first time the school entered the regional competition in two decades.
It was an “honour and a privilege” to be on the national stage, he said.
“Going to this national event, they [the children] will leave everything on the stage, but they are also going for the experience; they’re going up against the best of the best.”
Schools in the Motueka area were due to travel to the event to support the group, and Mausii thanked the community and Parklands School for their support.
Kura, iwi and the wider community in Te Tau Ihu (the top of the south) helped accommodate performers and their supporters from across the country, with some staying in marae, churches and schools as well as motel and holiday parks in the region.
Te Mana Kuratahi chairman, Jack Te Moana, said Nelson had “done a good job to open up their community.”
“People that I’ve spoken to, they’re happy with their accommodation, and are feeling very welcome by the local iwi that have welcomed them on Sunday.
“The hosting committee have done a brilliant job, and the city council and everyone involved.
“We’re very humbled to be here in Nelson.”
Participating Rōpū performed to a full house on Monday, and the stadium was filling up fast before the first session on Tuesday, Te Moana said.
“The feeling is very positive, that comes with a beautiful day as well.
“The calibre of performances yesterday [Monday] was awesome, and it makes for good competition for the rest of the week.”
Prize giving is due to take place on Thursday.