Te Kapa Haka o Te Āwhina Marae
As a Trust, we aim to encourage our owners to get involved with cultural activities such as kapa haka, as it only strengthens understanding of our history and our tūpuna. Knowledge from owners is passed down through storytelling, and kapa haka is one of many ways we communicate our kōrero.
Te Kapa Haka o Te Āwhina Marae is a kapa haka group made up of 36 members aged 14 through to late 50’s, including NRAIT owners. They currently practice twice a week for up to 7 hours, as well as holding a wānanga every 3 weeks, where they practice Friday through to Sunday. They are training hard for the Te Tau Ihu Regional Senior Kapa Haka Te Matatini Qualifying Competition, on Saturday June 30.
The competition, taking place in Nelson, will be the last qualifying event in the country. One team from this event will qualify for the 2019 Nationals, which is held in Wellington at the Westpac Stadium.
Maihi Barber, one of the tutors and leaders of the group, says that nurturing members is a priority as many are first time performers. Facilitating effective trainings and aids that enable the performers to be prepared as well as possible for their June 30 outing is a big part of it. Performers who go on to stage under prepared don't enjoy the occasion and that will be disappointing for themselves.
Overall, they hope that all performers come off the stage feeling excited and proud of their contribution to the performance of the rōpū (group), and from their performance they hope to inspire others to join in preparation for the 2020 regionals.
Take a look at some clips from their practices earlier this month. Throughout the performance, you will hear waiata about Te Āwhina Marae and Motueka. These waiata have been specifically written about the marae and the whenua by Pohe Stephens and Aunty Mere.
During Ohu Maatu weekend, members from Te Kapa Haka o Te Āwhina Marae worked with the Trust to raise money to help with costs associated with preparing and attending competitions. The Ngāti Rārua Ātiawa Iwi Trust have also provided the group with a grant to assist them with purchasing their uniforms.
The Ngāti Rārua Ātiawa Iwi Trust strives to provide owners with opportunities, and are proud to support the kapa haka group as they prepare for their next competition.
This Sunday, 24 June, the group are holding a dress rehearsal which is open to the public. You can head along to the Motueka High School Hall at 1pm to support them in the lead up to regionals.