Te Kahui Maunga kapa haka regional competition went down in Taranaki this weekend where many talented and fierce ropu competed for their chance to rep the rohe at Te Matatini in 2025.
Thirteen groups competed, but it was Te Reanga Morehu o Ratana who took out the win as the top ropu of the comp at Te Whare o Ruaputahanga TSB Hub in Te Hawera.
Many people shared their aroha for the performance, with one writing: "Woww! Stunning whanau 🥹."
Another said: "That waiata tira is the most beautiful item out of all of the whakataetae kapa haka a motu thus far."
"Awesome, wow, you conducted on the stage my Morehu congratulations ? well deserves to win it again 💯," added a third.
The ropu performed at last year's Te Matatini competition and were joined by the legendary vocals of Aotearoa's Stan Walker.
The official Te Matatini TikTok account posted a snippet of Stan's powerful solo during his debut at the 2023 competition - turn up your volume to hear his amazing vocals accompanied by the amazing ropu.
It's no surprise the group came out as winners with their incredibly strong vocals we've seen time and time again.
They'll be repping the strength of Te Hauauru region alongside Nga Purapura o Te Tai Hauauru (2nd place), Te Kura Nui o Paerangi (3rd place) and Nga Waihotanga (4th place).
Like most of Aotearoa's kapa haka events, Te Kahui Maunga (formerly Aotea Kapa Haka regionals) is usually held every two years, but due to Covid-19 putting everything on hold for the last few years, this year marked the first time the competition could go ahead since 2018.
Te Matatini Te Kahui Maunga delegate, Dr Rawiri Tinirau, told TeAo News: "Hosting Te Matatini 2025 in Taranaki is not just about showcasing our cultural heritage."
We can't wait to see what the ropu brings to Te Matatini in Ngamotu/New Plymouth next year.
