Te Matatini releases favourites

Share to Google Classroom

Organisers of Te Matatini, the national Kapa Haka competition, have released a special album featuring 53 festival favourites.

Among the songs is the People’s Choice Award winner, which has been viewed 6.6 million times online. The album brings together performances from all the groups that took part in the event.

Naia Awatea from Te Kuru Marutea was surprised by the song’s popularity. “You never expect it to be you,” she said, adding that the song held deep meaning for her and her group. “Once we realised everyone felt it, even through the phone, that’s crazy.”

The music has touched people worldwide, with fans from as far as Alaska and Canada reaching out. Awatea said many listeners feel a strong connection to home after hearing the songs.

Young people in New Zealand are also enjoying the album. Auckland teacher Bailee Raukura Tava said her students are excited about the music. “They’re like, ‘Whaea Bailee, you’re famous!'” she shared with a laugh.

Even Awatea’s three-year-old daughter loves the album. “She runs over and says, ‘Mama’s waiata!'”

1
The start of the Great Walk season in New Zealand’s...
1
Over 60 kapa haka groups from around Aotearoa will gather...
1
Beachgoers in Santa Cruz, California, are being warned about an...
1
A year after the world’s biggest tractor sculpture was revealed...
1
Jade Henderson, a 32-year-old bodybuilder from Australia, has broken a...

World & National News

1
This year, Dictionary.com surprised everyone by choosing “6-7” as its...
1
Over 60 kapa haka groups from around Aotearoa will gather...
1
Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, New Zealand’s youngest Member of Parliament, was celebrated...
1
On 31 October each year, children in New Zealand and...
1
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has met face-to-face with United States...