This year’s Te Matatini Award recipients are northern haka power couple Chris Henare and Sandra Waitai-Henare for their outstanding contribution to kapa haka.
Te Tohu Whakamānawa o Te Matatini Award recognises people who have truly excelled in promoting leadership, excellence and an outstanding contribution in Kapa Haka, including its expression in te reo Māori me ona tikanga (mātauranga ki te reo me ona tikanga).
“What makes Te Tohu Whakamānawa o Te Matatini Award unique is that it recognises the various ways that people contribute to Kapa Haka,” says Carl Ross, Te Manahautū | Chief Executive. “It’s about acknowledging the unsung heroes and champions like Chris and Sandra who through kapa haka, provide voluntary support to their far north community.”
Together Chris (Ngāti Kahu/Te Whānau-ā-Apanui/Ngāti Porou) and Sandra (Ngāti Kurī /nga iwi katoa o Muriwhenua/Tūhourangi ki Tarawera, Ngāti Wahio, Ngāti Whakaue, Te Arawa) founded Te Rōpū o Muriwhenua and have been teaching haka at many schools across the region for 25 years. They also established, with whānau, the Kids Club Pioke, Muriwhenua sports teams, Te Hiku Maiangi festival and the Muriwhenua Daddy’s Club.
Te reo Māori and tikanga is deeply embedded in their work, demonstrating a powerful commitment to cultural expression and language revitalisation. Nurturing members from kōhanga reo to kura kaupapa, wharekura, and into the senior kapa haka group, is why nearly 85% of their kaihaka now speak fluent te reo Māori.
“Through annual reo wānanga, they reinforce language skills and cultural depth, ensuring kapa haka becomes not only a performance art but a living embodiment of te reo and tikanga.”
Chris and Sandra progressively guide kaihaka from kōhanga reo through to senior groups and nurture our next generation when they step up to narrate the whakaaro of their iwi. They actively support rangatahi to achieve their aspirations, cultivating hope and purpose for the next generation.
In a region that often faces adversity, Te Rōpū o Muriwhenua kapa haka has become a beacon of resilience and pride, countering negativity with a legacy that uplifts and inspires whānau.
“As a result of their contributions they have ensured te reo Māori has a place to thrive and have established a strong kapa haka legacy for all generations in the Far North as well as supporting kaihaka to look beyond.”
Under their guidance, kaihaka have travelled as cultural ambassadors to Australia, Rarotonga, Hawaii, and Brazil, sharing the spirit of Muriwhenua on the world stage. Chris and Sandra are now looking at taking a kaihaka rōpū to an international cultural festival in Spain.
“Chris and Sandra continue to inspire and uplift their community, showcasing the excellence, pride, and heritage of the Far North wherever they go. Their legacy lies in these life-changing experiences and their unwavering commitment to opening new worlds for whānau through Māori performing arts.”
The Te Waka Toi annual awards celebrate and recognise the artistic excellence, achievement and contribution of Māori artists working in customary and contemporary Māori arts.
The awards, which are in their 38th year, celebrate the development, artistry and ongoing life of toi Māori and were presented to artists who’ve contributed a lifetime to nurturing and uplifting ngā toi Māori.
Senior Manager, Te Kaupapa o Toi Aotearoa, Haniko Te Kurapa, says this year the awards have been delivered differently.
“Rather than a traditional ceremony, we chose to honour our recipients on their whenua allowing recipients to celebrate with their whānau and communities in a meaningful way that reflects their values,” says Haniko.
Previous recipients include:
Ngāmoni Huata, Tūhourangi-Ngāti Wahiao, Ngāti Whare, Ngāi Tuhoe, Te Whakatōhea me Ngāti Raukawa (2023)
Te Taepa Kameta, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Rangiunuora, Te Arawa, Te Whakatōhea, Taranaki (2022)
Te Aroha Paenga, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Tainui (2022)
Tangiwai Ria, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki (2021)
Trevor Maxwell, Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Te Arawa (2021)
Tihi Puanaki, Ngāti Hine (2020)
Wetini Mitai-Ngatai, Te Arawa, Te Whakatohea (2019)
Kuini Moehau Reedy MNZM, Ngāti Porou (2018)
Tā Pita Sharples KNZM CBE, Ngāti Kahungunu (2018)
Louise Kingi, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki (2017)