Today marks the countdown to
Te Matatini Herenga Waka, Herenga Tangata 2022.
After almost three years our biggest kapa haka competition
will be launched tonight
with the live draw on our Facebook page.
Covid-19 moved the event from earlier this year
to next year but there is no containing the excitement.
Our reporter Rapaera Tawhai is standing by at (Ngā Ana Wai)
Eden Park ahead of the official launch
this evening.
Rapaera, what's the mood like there?
Firstly Oriini, finally.
Finally this kaupapa is finally here.
The teams will be categorised into three pools,
where we will see who will stand next year
in this competition.
Behind me is the stage where the live draw will happen.
At the moment they are checking that everything is all good to go
before the live draw.
The Tāmaki collective welcoming the multitudes.
We have been waiting a long time to host this event.
I'll say. Groups from NZ and Australia have been waiting
for three years for the official draw and launch
of the competition.
Ngā Tūmanako are keen and so am I.
Ngā Tūmanako are the current Te Matatini champions,
they are one of 50 teams waiting for tonight’s draw.
Oh yes. I'm nervous to see
where Ngā Tūmanako will be placed.
All groups will be.
We are hungry and excited because of the long wait.
Auckland has been hanging out for this competition.
Angitū are new to the competition,
they're also from Auckland.
Our goal is to strengthen the kapa haka community
here in Auckland,
plus we will be gunning for that main prize.
New teams and a new competition as well.
The competition will be held at Auckland's Eden Park
next year from the 23rd to the 26th of February.
The Mahau stage will be situated
right in the middle of the field.
50 teams from 13 regions will compete for the top prize,
the Ngāpō Pīmia Wehi Duncan McIntyre trophy.
However, the layout of the teams and pools will be different.
Those performing in the morning
on the three days will form Te Ihu.
Those performing midday will form Te Haumi.
The remaining teams performing
in the afternoon will form Te Kei.
The finals day has also changed.
There will be 12 teams that will compete,
so that's four teams now from the three pools.
We have been preparing for the past three years.
The main thing for us was coming together as a region.
Locals Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei are
front centre welcoming this huge event.
There have been many meetings.
We have all come together as performers,
Ngāti Whātua and community
to welcome the many groups who will come to Waitematā.
The champs are ready.
We will give it our all!
A major competition is about to go down.
Right now Auckland groups are arriving
to welcome the kaupapa.
Oriini, you heard your tutor,
Ngā Tūmanako will give it their all
so you better finish up quick
so you can arrive here at Eden Park
in time for the announcement.
Oriini...
You're right Rapaera.
When I'm all finished here,
I'll make my way over to you guys.
Don't go anywhere Rapaera,
we'll check in with you soon.