WATCH: Te Ahikaaroa’s mesmerising poi and haka wins Waitaha regional competition

Ōtautahi-based Te Ahikaaroa has taken out the Waitaha regional kapa haka competition, held at Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch over the weekend.

The Waitaha regional competition saw a whopping 19 groups perform at the largest competition in terms of land coverage - from Kaikōura all the way down to Bluff.

Te Ahikaaroa placed first overall in Whakaeke (entrance), Waiata-ā-ringa, Poi, Haka, Whakawātea (exit song) and Te Kairangi o Te Reo (Excellence of the Māori Language).

And after seeing their performances, it’s not hard to understand why.

Their poi was packed with energy, with every wahine bringing the same level of intensity as the next - you couldn't just focus on one performer.

A highlight is the rōpū split into three sections before joining together as one. The mix of synchronised and staggered movements made it impossible to look away. It's mesmerising.

The group followed it up with a fierce haka. Every movement hit with power, and that ending gave us serious goosebumps.

Joining them in the qualifying spots for next year’s national competition are Kōkō Tangiwai (Christchurch), Ngā Manu ā Tāne (Christchurch), Rukutia (Dunedin), and Te Pao a Tahu (Christchurch).

The Canterbury competition follows other strong regional showings around the motu, including last week’s competition in Tāmaki Makaurau, which saw popular haka rōpū Angitū take out the top spot.

Their whakaeke (entrance) alone proved they came locked in for the win.

Defending champs Waihīrere also showed why they remain one of Aotearoa’s best during the Tairāwhiti regional kapa haka competition in Gisborne earlier this month.

Their performance of ‘Takitimu Poi’ was captivating, with fast-paced, razor-clean movements throughout.

Last month, longstanding regional champions Te Tū Mataora once again took out the top spot at the Rangitāne regional kapa haka competition.

Te Tū Mataora continued their dominance on stage with a powerful and emotional performance that wowed the audience and cemented their reigning champion status.

All of these groups, and plenty more talented rōpū, will meet to compete at Te Matatini 2027.

And from what we’ve already seen, it’s shaping up to be one of the toughest competitions yet.