3 March 2025

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Today's response to enquiry about Te Arawa Teams' success at Te Matatini 2025

Enquiry

I am just following up on an article for Te Matatini 2025 and am hoping to include a comment from Tania about Ngāti Whakaue placing first in New Plymouth on the weekend, if she is available today.

If she could also include a comment about Ngāti Rangiwewehi placing second and Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao and Te Pikikotuku o Ngati Rongomai of Te Arawa making it to the final 12 best performances, that would be ideal.

Response

Mayor Tapsell provided the following response:

“Our hearts were bursting with joy at the success of our Te Arawa kapa haka teams at Te Matatini, we’ve just watched history be made and it couldn’t be more exciting.

“A massive congratulations to winners Ngāti Whakaue and also Ngāti Rangiwewehi who were second. Te Arawa teams Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao and Te Pikikotuku o Ngati Rongomai also made us proud making it to the top 12 best performances.

“In celebrating their success we also acknowledge the months of preparation put into their performances. It’s intense and not for the light-hearted, so we really congratulate the performers who have made our community incredibly proud.

“Rotorua has a strong history of kapa haka, and the talent we have coming through the next generations make us really excited for the future of our culture and performing arts.

“The way Ngāti Whakaue honoured Sir Bom Gillies, the last Māori battalion soldier, was so moving it brought many to tears. It will continue to inspire others for many years to come.”