The long wait is over for Ngā Purapura o Te Tai Hauāuru. The Kapa Haka group made history tonight, claiming the coveted regional title at the Te Kāhui Maunga competitions for the first time in 24 years. Their triumphant performance ended a decades-long drought, sending a powerful message to the national stage.
The group’s commanding performance across all disciplines – including the waiata ā-ringa, the intense haka and whakawātea – culminated in an overall victory that captivated both judges and spectators.
The win has been hailed as a testament to the dedication of the performers and their long-term vision. Group founder and veteran performer Tamzyn Pue described the moment as surreal and deeply emotional.
“This is more than just a trophy; it’s the culmination of two decades of sacrifice, commitment, and holding the flame for our tūpuna and those who were with us from the start Koro Huirangi, Mister Pue, Nan Mereiwa Broughton and Uncle Ray Tito,” said Tamzyn, speaking immediately after the results were announced. “Every single person on that stage poured their heart and soul into this performance. We knew we had a legacy to honour, and to finally bring the regional title back after 24 years is humbling. This is for all those who paved the way.”
The victory is particularly significant for the younger generation of performers. Group leader and tutor Aroha Broughton-Pue, is also the co-winner of the coveted Manukura Wāhine Toa title of Te Matatini 2025, she emphasised the pressure and privilege of being part of the history-making team.
“The weight of expectation was immense, but so was the mana that came with wearing the Korowai of Manukura Wāhine of Te Matatini,” Aroha said. “Hearing the calls of our older members and knowing the journey this group has been on fueled every movement. We didn’t just want to win; we needed to prove that our reo and our tikanga are alive and thriving in our tamariki, rangatahi and mokopuna right here in Whaitara,” she said.
“We are not only the embodiment of our tūpuna, we are rewriting the script. This win cements our place and paves the way for our tamariki and future generations in te ao haka.”
Ngā Purapura o Te Tai Hauāuru will now represent the Te Kāhui Maunga region at the upcoming National Kapa Haka Competition, where they will face the best groups from across the country next year at Hopuhopu in Waikato hosted by Te Whare Haka o Tainui, Tainui Waikato and the Kiingitanga.
The focus will now shift to refining their performance as they carry the hopes of their region to the highest level. Also, travelling with them to represent the region will be Te Reanga Morehu o Rātana who placed second, Ngā Waihotanga third & Te Kura Nui o Paerangi fourth.
