50 YEARS OF TE MATATINI

Te Waka Huia is one of 49 teams around the country who will gather for the pinnacle event for Māori performing arts, Te Matatini. Next year’s festival, held at Auckland’s Eden Park from 22 to 26 February, will mark the 50th year of the biennial event. Tāpeta and Annette are already preparing to fight for the coveted Ngāpō Pimia Wehi Duncan McIntyre Trophy, dedicated in part to the late Dr Ngāpō (QSM) and Dr Pīmia Wehi (QSM). Annette, who sits on the Te Matatini board, says the festival is important for Māori and non- Māori alike. “You’ll find exactly what is on the mind of Māori at Te Matatini. Kapa haka takes the most pressing, important messages for Māoridom to a public platform.” tematatini.co.nz