Wintec kaimahi take to the stage at Te Matatini Herenga Waka 2023
Te Wai Collins, one of the Wintec | Te Pūkenga kaimahi taking to the global stage at Te Matatini Herenga Waka 2023
After four years of postponements, interruptions and delays, the home of New Zealand Rugby will become the home of haka for what will be the largest festival celebrating te ao Māori, Te Matatini Herenga Waka 2023. More than 2500 competitors, from 45 kapahaka will perform over four days to represent their iwi, hapū and whānau. Amongst them, two kaimahi from Wintec | Te Pūkenga are preparing to take the stage.
“Haka has always inspired me, the music, the energy... it's my passion and the learning is so rich in whakawhanaungatanga to its core.”Kaihautū, Te Wai Collins from Ngāti Hauā- he uri nō te raupatu.
Historical narratives, whakawhanaungatanga and the opportunity to share stories of resilience and perseverance are key drivers for Te Wai who will perform for her sixth time at Te Matatini. “If I were to link back to my Kaihautū role, this is invaluable professional development, so I am relevant and current in mātauranga Māori.
Taking to the global stage for her second time, Kaiāwhina, Waimihi Paki (Pictured right) believes that this is the most growth she’s had during a campaign with Tauranga-based kapahaka, Tutarakauika ki Rangataua.
After suffering the loss of her uncle who was also her kapahaka leader, composer and her godfather, Waimihi felt challenged to continue her path to Te Matatini Herenga Waka 2023. “He was everybody's everything.” Through her kapahaka, Waimihi has found the strength to carry her uncle’s memory to the crowds at Eden Park.
“When we are mamae (grieving) we are vulnerable, and we are our most genuine selves. Not only was mamae present but aroha was just as strong. I had a support system of 60 plus and it was hard to stay isolated.” Waimihi shares this experience as a reminder of the kind of support ākonga need in their learning journey.
“That strength and that growth transfers in the way that I hold myself as a Kaiāwhina, and the way that I make myself available to our students and our kaimahi as well.”
Tutarakauika ki Rangataua will be the third kapahaka to perform on Day One of the festival.
Te Wai Collins will perform with Te Pou o Mangatāwhiri on Day Three.
Te Matatini Herenga Waka Herenga Tangata will be livestreamed in the City and Rotokauri hubs from Wednesday through to Friday.
Watch Te Matatini Herenga Waka Herenga Tangata: Prelims | TVNZ+
