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!'”
That is one fit cat. I dont think i could walk that far. Let a lone a cat!!!
long way for a cat to travel
it was really good and interesting I loved it good job
That’s a long way.
The owners must’ve been scared to lose their cat but in the end the cat was found by a kind person who looked after the cat after walking 1448 km.
Thats pretty amazing! Very fit cat. Surely it didn’t do it all on paw! That’s crazy!
a least the cat got home
That cat must love their family so much to travel 1448 km, by paw!
I want that cat NOW!!!!!!!!
wish i could travel that far
wow cat strong
traveled so long!
they are so cute