Whāngarei team retain 2degrees Kapa Haka Super 12s title

Whāngarei team retain 2degrees Kapa Haka Super 12s title

Reigning 2degrees Kapa Haka Super 12s champions Whāngarei-Mai-Tawhiti took out the title for the fourth time running at The Cloud in Auckland today.

The team of 12 kaihaka performed in front of a 3000-strong crowd with a routine featuring hula-hoop piupiu (skirts), rousing choral performances, and a cheeky take on jumping string games.

Second place went to Tū Whitia from Auckland and Toka Tū Moana from Rotorua/Taupo placed third.

The 2degrees Kapa Haka Super 12s, which celebrates excellence and innovation in the traditional Māori performing art of kapa haka, is one of the most popular events during Auckland Council’s month-long Matariki Festival.

Teams are given creative licence to produce a high energy stage performance based on their own unique interpretation of traditional Māori performing arts including poi, waiata and haka.

This year’s Super 12s included The Curtain Raiser secondary schools’ competition with Ngā Puna o Waiorea from Western Springs College winning the inaugural event. Te Wharekura o Rākaumanga from Huntly were placed second and Te Roopu Rangatahi o Ritana from Gisborne’s Lytton High School in third place.

Councillor Alf Filipaina, Arts, Culture & Events chair said the calibre of performances this year was outstanding.

“It was fantastic to see the energy, enthusiasm and sheer talent displayed by the competitors. The high school teams in particular showed the impressive talent we have coming up in our youth.

“The inclusion of the kura teams not only meets the increasing demand in this younger demographic but also encourages other secondary schools to get involved.

“Auckland Council would like to congratulate every team that performed and we look forward to seeing them all again next year.”

The month-long Matariki Festival in Auckland features more than 100 events and will run through until July 20.

matarikifestival.org.nz #matariki15

ENDS

© Scoop Media