Whalerider Descendants Enjoy Waves of Success

Press Release
Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival 2007
Sunday 25 February 2007

Whalerider Descendants Enjoy Waves of Success

East Coast Kapa Haka group Whangara-mai-Tawhiti has been named the supreme winner of Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival 2007 for the first time this afternoon.

The carved trophy was presented by the Associate Minister of Culture and Heritage, Judith Tizard to group leaders Derek Lardelli and Aroha Papa.

“It’s an honour for us and our families to be given this award. It represents a lot of hard work and discipline and we’re looking forward to taking it home tomorrow,” said Lardelli.

Auckland based group Te Waka Huia came 2nd and Opotiki mai Tawhiti from Opotiki was 3rd.

The group’s prime tutor and composer is Lardelli, well known for composing the All Black’s Kapa o Pango haka. He says their victory would not have been possible without the support of their families and community.

Whangara-mai-Tawhiti was prominent in the competition’s aggregate placings, winning prizes for best haka, action song and waiata tawhito or traditional song.

Many of its members are descendants of famous ancestor and whale rider Paikea who provided inspiration for the blockbuster movie Whalerider.

Whangara-mai-Tawhiti was first established in 1961, and then revived in 1976. The current group was formed in 1995, following requests from local kuia and koroua who wanted to keep the tikanga and mana of Whangara alive.

Chief Judge Te Kepa Stirling said Te Matatini 2007 was unique and that the calibre of performances was excellent.

“Our main focus is to ensure that the standard of kapa haka and its true essence is maintained,” he said.

Te Matatini is held every two years. The next one will be held in Tauranga in 2009.

Ends

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