For generations, kapa haka has been the heartbeat of Te Ao Māori, providing a powerful platform for our reo, tikanga, and wairua to thrive.

‍At Toitu Ngāti Porou, we take immense pride in standing behind our iwi as they take their rightful place on the national stage, particularly at Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga. This year, three incredible teams have represented our whānau with distinction: Te Hokowhitu a Tū, Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti, and Hikurangi.

As an iwi organisation committed to supporting our people, Toitu Ngāti Porou was privileged to contribute $20,000 to their campaigns. This contribution reflects not just our financial support but also our unwavering belief in the power of kapa haka to nurture Ngāti Porou identity, strengthen our reo and tikanga, and inspire future generations.

Te Matatini is more than a competition; it is a celebration of collective strength, creativity, and resilience. For Ngāti Porou and all iwi across Aotearoa, Te Matatini serves as taonga tuku iho, handed down through the generations to preserve and promote our culture.

The essence of Te Matatini lies in its ability to showcase the unique stories, dialects, and traditions of iwi from every corner of the motu. It is a platform where the intricacies of whakapapa, the depth of te reo Māori, and the beauty of tikanga are brought to life through waiata, haka, poi, and mōteatea. For Ngāti Porou, the competition provides an unparalleled opportunity to bring the distinctiveness of our iwi to the forefront, allowing our narratives to resonate on a national scale.

Ngāti Porou has long been recognised as a bastion of te reo Māori me ōna tikanga. Our reo, enriched by the nuances of our tribal dialect, is a cornerstone of our identity. Kapa haka offers a dynamic way to sustain and transmit this linguistic heritage, ensuring it remains vibrant and relevant for generations to come.

Through kapa haka, our whānau not only celebrate our rich heritage but also honour the legacies of our tīpuna who laid the foundation for our identity as Ngāti Porou.

As we reflect on the achievements of Te Hokowhitu a Tū, Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti, and Hikurangi, we are reminded of the strength and resilience of Ngāti Porou. Their performances at Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga have not only brought honour to our iwi but also showcased the richness of our culture to the nation.

Toitu Ngāti Porou remains committed to supporting initiatives that uplift our people and celebrate our unique identity. We look forward to continuing our partnership with our kapa haka teams and to seeing the next generation of Ngāti Porou performers take the stage with pride and passion.

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