Pushing the boundaries of creativity in kapa haka

When new rōpū Kōkō Tangiwai stormed to the front of the Waitaha region kapa haka competitions in 2024, they pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation to take out the top spot and earn their place at Te Matatini 2025.

Kapa haka is a vital expression of Māori identity, history, and culture. It has been passed down through generations and has evolved into a dynamic art form. Originating from traditional mōteatea, haka, mau rākau, and poi, kapa haka has spiritual significance. 

Today, it thrives as both a cultural tradition and a modern artistic discipline, showcased in events like Te Matatini. Contemporary performers and composers are finding new ways to showcase kapa haka by integrating elements of theatre, modern music, and digital technology.

Kapa Haka leader Junior Tana and his wife Kerrie-Anna formed Kōkō Tangiwai early in 2024 in response to the relatively small number of teams entering the Waitaha regional competition at the time.

Junior says that kapa haka presents the perfect platform for developing an understanding of te reo Māori because all items performed are in te reo Māori. "We are definitely focused on ensuring that performers know what they're singing about and, therefore, know how to portray the ideas and concepts within the compositions."

"The whole way we practice and train together is like a kaupapa Māori framework. We karakia at the beginning of practices, we do whanaungatanga, and we allow our tamariki and rangatahi to be with us. We also spend time discussing different Māori concepts that are affecting us as a people at any given time. So yeah, there are lots of examples of where we can integrate te ao Māori into our practices and performances," says Junior.

Kōkō Tangiwai has over 70 people engaged in its kaupapa, including performers and the people who support the team with resourcing, cooking, teaching, and making the uniforms. Junior says there is a big whānau involved that embodies both unity and inclusiveness. "Those relationships become really strong and tight." 

"We have an open-door policy – anybody who's interested in learning or developing is welcome to come and at least see whether they like us or not." 

Kapa haka is vital for preserving and reviving tikanga Māori, language, and traditions. It also fosters a sense of identity and ensures that tikanga Māori is passed down to future generations.

Kōkō Tangiwai performer Rangimarie Pomare was inspired to join the rōpū after watching her older siblings doing kapa haka. "The benefits of kapa haka, personally for me, is doing it with my family and my friends. Not a lot of people experience that in te ao Māori, so doing it with my older sister was such a pleasure. I've always grown up watching my older siblings doing kapa haka, so when it was my turn to get on the stage and doing it with her was very special to me."

Rangimarie says she is also doing it for her people. "I know a lot of taiohi Māori are not confident in themselves when it comes to kapa haka. I'm just here as, like, a role model, you know, to say, like, you can do it. If you put in the work, you can get it done. People find it intimidating because they think it's a hard job to do. But if you practice, I think you could get it done easily."

Junior says that one barrier to participation can be the financial pressures on individuals and whānau to engage in kapa haka. "One of our goals is to keep it accessible to all parts of the community – adults, rangatahi, and their families and children."

Rātā Foundation has supported Kōkō Tangiwai through its Participate funding priority, enabling a deeper understanding of tikanga Māori in arts, heritage, and traditional tākaro. Chief Executive Leighton Evans says, "Kapa haka is vital in fostering a sense of belonging and enhancing cultural identity. It strengthens relationships within whānau, hapori, iwi, and hapū, deepening connections to te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori."

Junior says they have been fortunate to receive funding from Rātā. This means they do not have to charge kaihaka for uniforms or resources. "Kākahu in this game are in the thousands – some of our piupiu can cost between $800 and $1600 apiece. So, receiving funding helps the group look professional and present well on the stage. It also supports the performers interested in mastering this art to make the kaupapa more accessible." 
Performers put in hours of practice and learning, without guarantee of securing a final spot in the Te Matatini team.

Junior says commitment and loyalty are probably the two currencies within kapa haka. "Those who want to make the stage must put in the hours. You know, you've just got to rack up the hours. But it is achievable. It's like any sport – you can learn a skill, you can master the skill, and then you'll be the first pick."

It was the first time for many of the team performing at an event like Te Matatini. Junior says the experience was awe-inspiring and inspirational.