MEDIA RELEASE
SATURDAY 18th FEBRUARY, 2023
He Rau Aroha Ki Ngā Kapa
As footage unfolds of the devastation that has taken place in Kahungunu and Te Tairāwhiti, and sporadic connectivity resumes, kapa haka adversely affected by the recent weather events have confirmed their aspirations to participate in a festival that promises to raise the spirits of Māoridom.
The Te Matatini Festival Leadership Team is working closely with Air New Zealand, the NZ Police and Emergency Services to get the best advice and support for our kapa haka whose preparations for the festival have been severely impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.
In addition to escorted traffic management plans, travel and transport support, Te Matatini has offered a koha of $10,000 to kapa haka most directly affected; Matangirau, Te Rangiura o Wairarapa, Tamatea Arikinui from the Ngāti Kahungunu rohe, Muriwhenua, Hātea, Ngā Manu Mātui, Waerenga Te Kaha from Te Taitokerau, and Waihīrere, Tū Te Manawa Maurea and Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti from Te Tairāwhiti.
Whilst we acknowledge that the response is ongoing and the recovery may take several years, this is one way we can assist kapa haka that have indicated they still want to participate despite these testing times.
“Kei te tūwhera ngā ringaringa, kei te karanga atu te mahau o Te Matatini ki ngā kaihaka o ngā kapa haka katoa. Our mahau is calling, arms outstretched, overflowing with aroha from across Aotearoa, and we will do everything we can to bring our kapa haka safely to Te Matatini Herenga Waka Herenga Tangata,” says Carl Ross Chief Executive of Te Matatini.
Te Matatini Herenga Waka Herenga Tangata 2023 takes place at Ngā Ana Wai Eden Park in Tāmaki Makaurau from 22 February to 25 February 2023.
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