MEDIA RELEASE
TUESDAY 11th JULY, 2023
Te Matatini Herenga Waka Herenga Tangata Festival Album launched to celebrate Matariki
From the tear jerking karanga to the stage rumbling under 40 kaihaka - the stirring sounds from Te Matatini Herenga Waka Herenga Tangata festival in Tāmaki Makaurau earlier this year will be released in an album this Friday 14 July – to celebrate Matariki.
“The album, of the same name as the festival – Te Matatini Herenga Waka Herenga Tangata – features remastered soundtracks from the live performances chosen by each kapa. Each waiata and haka provides an insight into the realities and aspirations of te Ao Māori today,” says Chief Executive Officer Carl Ross.
“The album is rich with stories and histories compiled into one. There are beautiful tributes to haka legends and the many rangatira we’ve lost. The waiata calls for celebration of history, achievements, and reclamation; the poi reflects courage and knowledge; the haka offers leadership challenges, while the whakawātea leaves messages of hope in times of need,” he says.
“Since the inception of Te Matatini festival in 1972, the national stage has always been a platform for whānau, hapū and iwi to share their narratives from their perspectives with the world. The new album excites everyone involved, it’s an influencer and an advocate for the very best of te ao Māori, and at its heart is kapa haka.”
“For those that want to dive deeper into the meaning behind the waiata, the new lyrics-feature on the album will encourage fans to learn the kupu and stories behind the lyrical prose and belt out those ballads wherever they are,” says Wipere Mita, Te Matatini Chief Operating Officer.
“The new lyrics feature, aligns with the commitment by Te Matatini to showcase our unique Māori language and culture, through the very best in kapa haka excellence and entrench te Reo Māori across all aspects of kapa haka activity.”
The album will be launched in three parts, across three weeks beginning this Friday 14 July. Stream / download