After an epic four days of performances, Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau a Apanui have been crowned Toa Whakaihuwaka, the overall winners of Te Matatini 2023.
Te Matatini chair Herewini Parata presented the award to the group from the Mātaatua rohe, representing all hapū of Te Whānau a Apanui.
Two groups, Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue and Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti were named second equal. Awards were also presented to groups for the best waiata tira, manukura tāne and wahine (male and female leader), kākahu (costumes), and best original compositions for poi, haka, waiata-ā-ringa, mōteatea and waiata.
The award ceremony took place after twelve finalist kapa haka groups performed today to a packed crowd at Ngā Ana Wai Eden Park.
The 12 groups who competed in the finals today were:
- Te Hekenga ā Rangi
- Te Pou a Mangataawhiri
- Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti
- Ngā Tūmanako (defending champions)
- Te Iti Kahurangi
- Te Pikikōtuku o Ngāti Rongomai
- Te Whānau a Apanui
- Ngāti Rangiwewehi
- Angitū
- Waihīre
- Te Mātārae I Ōrehu
- Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue
A total of 45 of the country’s top kapa haka groups performed across the three preliminary days ahead of today’s final.
If you missed today’s performances (or if you’re ready for a rewatch) you can watch them on TVNZ+.
