Te Matatini competitors at Pukekura/Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth, February 2025. Photo: Te Matatini Enterprises / supplied
A feeling of anticipation has gripped Pukekura/Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth, as Te Matatini festival-goers eagerly await the announcement of the competition's top 12 kapa.
It's the final day of the preliminary competition, with 13 more groups going head-to-head to secure a spot in the finals.
Te Matatini competitors at Pukekura/Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth, February 2025. Photo: Te Matatini Enterprises / supplied
Narrowing 55 kapa to 12 will no doubt be a daunting task for the judges, who have had a front row seat to some of the finest haka ever performed.
The announcement of the top 12 groups, who will qualify for Saturday's final, will be announced Friday at approximately 5.20pm by Te Matatini chairman Tā Selwyn Parata.
Te Matatini competitors at Pukekura/Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth, February 2025. Photo: Te Matatini Enterprises / supplied
Te Matatini competitors at Pukekura/Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth, February 2025. Photo: Te Matatini Enterprises / supplied
East Coast group Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti - led by All Blacks haka composer Sir Derek Lardelli - made a powerful statement this morning with their haka to a packed crowd at the bowl on Friday morning.
Their haka called 'Kaikino' tackled meth addiction and wahamete - meth mouth - speaking about the hideous physical characteristics of addiction.
The haka calls for an end to meth addiction, to be replaced by health and vitality for the people.
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