Haka Yarns

In this episode of Haka Yarns, we have Tama Te Rerewa Koopu in the whare to wānanga the PERFECT kapa haka campaign… what does that look like? And, if you could have it your way, what’s the ideal road to Te Matatini? Some of the key kōrero: •⁠ ⁠When should the core team start planning and composing? •⁠ ⁠The ideal time to begin campaign prep •⁠ ⁠How often should kapa be practising? •⁠ ⁠When should cuts take place? •⁠ ⁠How should cuts be made? •⁠ ⁠Performer vs tutor responsibilities throughout campaign Whether you're a kaihaka, tutor, or just a bit nosey about what goes on behind the scenes, this one’s for you! 👀 Drop your whakaaro below: What does your ideal campaign look like? Like, comment and subscribe for more Haka Yarns every week. Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko. Connect with us: Instagram: @arataua.media TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/arataua Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arataua/ Website: https://www.arataua.nz For all enquiries: [email protected]

This week, Kereama returns to the pae kōrero and we revisit the Te Pae Kahurangi haka, the accusations of racism that followed, and the story he was first to break. Then, we recap Te Tau Ihu 🔥 From final placings to standout moments and anonymous judges feedback! We also wānanga one of the biggest talking points in te ao kapa haka right now… Do the current Te Matatini qualifying ratios reflect the top kapa in the motu? Is the system serving our regions fairly? Drop your whakaaro below - do you agree? To wrap up, we turn our attention to Te Tairāwhiti and preview the weekend ahead. We wānanga: - Our favourite performers - Predicted placings - The judging panel - Key kōrero ahead of the weekend Like, comment and subscribe for more Haka Yarns every week. Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko. Connect with us: Instagram: @arataua.media TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/arataua Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arataua/ Website: https://www.arataua.nz For all enquiries: [email protected]

E hoki whakamuri ana ki ngā mahi whakamīharo o Rangitāne, ā, ka anga whakamua ki Te Tauihu! We recap the Rangitāne Regionals and preview what’s to come at Kia Hūkere te Hoe in Te Tauihu. 👀🔥 What a weekend for Rangitāne! Tama, Chey and Anipātene break down the results, standout moments and key kōrero from the weekend, including: - A dead heat at the top between Te Tū Mataora and Te Tini o Rēhua: What was the tie breaker to decide the winner? - Te Whirikōkō’s theatrical storytelling - Anonymous judges feedback... what stood out and what separated the kapa? THEN, it’s all eyes on Te Tau Ihu. 6 kapa, 2 competitive and BOTH heading to Te Matatini 2027! We did our homework e te whānau! This week we had a hui with Te Tau Ihu delegate, Tom Alesana, to find out more about this rohe so if you don’t know much about our whanaunga at the top of the South Island, make sure you give this one a watch! But, the real pātai is: Will Te Kuru Marutea bring us a new viral waiata? No pressure or anything 😂 Kia kaha ki ngā kapa katoa e tū ana - we’re here for it! 🔥 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE e te whānau! Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko.

PLENTY to wānanga about after the Tainui Waka Regionals! 👀 Joining Anipātene and Chey on the Haka Yarns couch is Tama Te Rerewa Koopu (Tauira Mai Tawhiti), who grew up in the Waikato - straight out of Rāhui Pōkeka! In this episode, we break down: •⁠ ⁠The RESULTS - who’s heading to Te Matatini? 🏆 •⁠ ⁠Standout kapa from the weekend •⁠ ⁠Kapa who picked up deductions - what happened? •⁠ ⁠The emcee everyone’s talking about 👀 Plus, our whakaaro on the big moments: •⁠ ⁠Awhina i te Kaupapa - first timers and with Hana-Rawhiti Maipi in the mix! •⁠ ⁠Te Iti Kahurangi - Kingi Kiriona to contest the Hauraki-Waikato seat 👀 •⁠ ⁠Te Pae Kahurangi and THAT haka 👀 what do we think? Pātuhi mai e hoa mā! Let us know your whaakaro. We’ll be picking one lucky winner from the comments each week to receive exclusive Haka Yarns merch! Stay tuned for more recaps, reactions and all things kapa haka! Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko.

Tainui Waka Regionals are HERE 🔥 23 kapa will take the stage, including 14 competitive rōpū all chasing one of just SIX spots at Te Matatini 👀 In this preview, we wānanga: - How Waikato are preparing to host Te Matatini 2027 - Our Kaitātaki Tāne predictions for Mōtai Tangata Rau 👀 - Judges + some VERY interesting new additions to the disciplines Plus, the rumour mill is strong e te whānau! We hear a certain MP is standing this year… and yes, we’ve got the tea ☕ And of course, we wrap with our PICKS! Who’s making the 6? It’s shaping up to be a big weekend of kapa haka! Stay tuned for full recaps and kōrero after the regionals. Ngā mihi ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko. #HakaYarns #TeMatatini #KapaHaka #TainuiWaka #māori #podcast

The Rangitāne Kapa Haka Regionals are heading to Palmerston North this Saturday 🔥 With THREE kapa in the competition and THREE spots to Te Matatini on the line, it’s not about qualification… it’s about who takes the win 👀 In this preview, we break down: •⁠ ⁠The competing kapa in the rohe •⁠ ⁠What to expect from each group •⁠ ⁠The judging panel and what they’ll be looking for Pātuhi mai: Give us your placings! How will this play out? It’s shaping up to be a MASSIVE weekend of kapa haka. Stay tuned for our Tainui Waka Regionals episode dropping tomorrow! Make sure you LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more Haka Yarns 🔥 Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko. #hakayarns #kapahaka #māori #tematatini #fluent #podcast

In this wānanga, Chey, Anipātene and Otene kōrero about iwi styles and what makes a kapa unique! Because you can always tell the ones who have truly owned their tāera. We talk about: - Historic styles - The influence of kaiako and their creative direction - Why leaning into your uniqueness can elevate your kapa And.. Chey asks the pātai 👀 Favourite entrance of all time: What is it? The Crew Cam jumps in too. Kōrero mai - what’s your favourite entrance ever? LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE for more Haka Yarns! Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko. #hakayarns #kapahaka #māori #tematatini

In this wānanga, we get into the reality of burnout in te ao kapa haka: what it is, why it happens, and when it might be time to step back. From the pressure of intense schedules to the creative strain on kaitito, kaihaka and tutors, we have a kōrero about the real load people are carrying behind the scenes. We also dive into the FOMO and the fear of losing momentum or missing out if you take a break. We even ask the big pātai: Should Te Matatini be every 3 years instead of 2? What would that change? And then… what’s the rongoā? Do we need to harden up? Work smarter? Or rethink how we operate altogether? He kaupapa nui tēnei and we want to hear from you! 💬 Drop your whakaaro in the comments e te whānau. LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more Haka Yarns! Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko.

What a weekend in TTT! There was a lot of discussion leading into the weekend about whether the whakataetae would go ahead but it did, and WOW. The kapa delivered. This is a jam-packed kōrero with plenty of perspectives from across the day. We’ve got Kahurangi on Crew Cam, who judged Whakaeke and Poi at Te Tai Tokerau, and Otene Hopa, Tutor and Kaitātaki Tāne of Hātea, who placed 2nd over the weekend. Chey watched alongside what felt like the entire rohe at a packed venue, while Ani tuned in via livestream from the comfort of her couch. Together, we recap the regionals, go through the placings, and share some of the big highlights and moments from this year’s event. As always, we wrap up with our Top 12 - the kapa we think could make a run towards Te Matangirua at Te Matatini 2027. But just a reminder, these are purely our guesses e te whānau! It’s all fun and games. Don’t come for us 😂 Massive mihi to all the kapa, whānau, and the organisers including the Waitangi Cultural Committee, for an awesome weekend of kapa haka. Make sure you LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more Haka Yarns. Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko. #hakayarns #kapahaka #tetaitokerau #tereo #māori #tematatini

And that’s how you WIN! Whuuuu! Te Kahu Ariki dominated at the Aussie Kapa Haka Competition last weekend and we’re here to recap it all! This week we’re joined on the couch by Otene Hopa, kaitātaki of Hātea, who has long been involved in kapa haka in Ahitereiria. Together, we break down the results, share our thoughts and talk about the growth of kapa haka in Australia over the last few years because it has been MASSIVE. Sending a BIG mihi to all of the kapa who did their thing over the weekend! We also preview ASB Polyfest – Te Paparewa Māori, happening this week. We can’t wait to see all of our rangatahi take the stage over four days of performances. Āpōpō, we recap Te Tai Tokerau Regionals so make sure you’re back here, at 8pm. E te whānau, LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more Haka Yarns. Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko. #hakayarns #kapahaka #tematatini #asbpolyfest #tereoMāori #māori #kapahaka 00:00 - Intro 02:43 - Aus Recap 0⁠5:55 - Results 10:02 - Top 3 Debrief 12:06 - Te Hau Tawhiti 14:04 - Te Kahu Ariki 21:14 - Te Matatini Wānanga 25:26 - Polyfest Wānanga

PSA 📢 At the time of recording and uploading, the whakataetae is still going ahead. We hope everyone travelling and performing this weekend stays safe in this weather. Kia haumaru koutou, otirā, tātou katoa! This week, we head to Te Tai Tokerau for 'Maranga Mai e te Iwi', where our very own Kahurangi will be judging! With 9 kapa ngāhau, 5 kapa whakataetae, and only 4 qualifying through to Te Matatini, it’s going to be a tough comp! In this episode, we preview the kapa and what we know so far, go through the judging panel and what they’ll be looking for, and also touch on the disputes process in Te Tai Tokerau. PLUS we share our PICKS - who misses out? Te Tai Tokerau is tight e hoa mā! LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more weekly Haka Yarns! Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko. #hakayarns #kapahaka #tematatini #maori #tereo #indigenous #tereoMāori #podcast

Kua hoki mai a Kereama! While he was away, the Te Arawa Kapa Haka Committee announced a change to the regionals results, confirming first equal placings between Te Pikikōtuku o Ngāti Rongomai and Ngāti Whakaue. Wiwiwiwiwi… te drama hoki! We react to the news, and we ask: He aha pea ētahi akoranga? What can we learn from this? Then we head to Te Whenua Moemoeā! This weekend, three kapa will qualify for Te Matatini. We preview the comp and go through all the kapa going head to head. A big wānanga not to be missed! Make sure you LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more Haka Yarns. Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko. #hakayarns #kapahaka #tematatini #maori #tereo #kapahakalife #indigenous #tereoMāori #māorimedia #kapahakacommunity

Arguably one of the biggest pressures we face as kaihaka in te ao kapa haka! 👀 Why do people choose their kapa? Is it about whakapapa? Opportunity? Growth? What does loyalty really mean? And when does it become waka jumping? We wānanga the expectations placed on kaihaka, from whānau ties to progression, to the pressure of staying put. PLUS what's the difference between kapa-ā-iwi and karapu? Chey gives his perspective. Let us know your whakaaro in the comments! Make sure you LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more Haka Yarns. Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko. #māori #kapahaka #hakayarns #māori #tematatini #indigenous #aratauamedia

We’re 1 day away from TE ARAWA REGIONALS 🔥 and it’s safe to say things have been boiling away in our tari… The weekend we’ve been anticipating the most as a team of Te Arawa kaihaka! Can Ngāti Whakaue (Kereama & Anipātene) defend their crown? Or will Ngāti Rangiwewehi (Chey & Kahu) take the reins this year? Maybe it’s the year for Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao (Hapi) who placed 2nd in 2024? Or will Te Hikuwai (Tamihana) come through with a surprise? We go through the teams competing, what we know, and what we can predict heading into the weekend. We also take a look at the judging panel, revisit the 2024 results, and then… We give our PICKS. 👀 Who you got? Name your 6 in the comments! Make sure you LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more Haka Yarns. Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko. #kapahaka #hakayarns #tematatini #māori #indigenous #aratauamedia

A new champion has been crowned at Te Kāhui Maunga Regionals… and what a weekend it was! For everyone who missed him, Chey is back! In this episode of Haka Yarns, the crew unpack the results, the performances that stood out, and the razor-thin margin that decided the winners. E mihi ana li Ngā Purapura o Te Taihauāuru! We also share anonymous judge insights, honour some standout moments from across the weekend, and take a look at how the Top 12 for Te Matatini 2027 is shaping up (our blackboard, that is). PLUS - Haka Yarns gets a special mention at the pōhiri…? 👀 Our whakaaro on that. Make sure you LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more Haka Yarns. Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāhō i ēnei pūtea tautoko. #kapahaka #hakayarns #māori #tematatini #indigenous #aratauamedia

Back again with Anipātene, Kereama and Te Wehi and this time, we head to Te Kāhui Maunga as the rohe prepares for their upcoming regionals! With 13 kapa competing for just 4 qualifying spots, the pressure is ON! The crew break it down - which teams should we be looking out for? Who are the judges on the panel this year? And who are they picking to go through? We also get into a wānanga about one of the toughest challenges in kapa haka… the pressure of defending a title. Can the reigning champions Te Reanga Morehu o Ratana hold their ground? Make sure you LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more Haka Yarns! Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāhō i ēnei pūtea tautoko. #kapahaka #māori #competition #indigenous #aratauamedia

The dust has settled after the Mātaatua Regionals… but the kōrero is just getting started! In this episode of Haka Yarns, we recap the results, the standout performances, the surprises, and we take a look at the reason defending champions Te Whānau a Apanui had a 5 point deduction, placing them 6th overall. Joining us in the whare is seasoned kaihaka and MC Te Wehi Preston, sitting down with Anipātene and Kereama. No Chey this week (& his FOMO is real). We reflect on the competition and ask the big question… were anyone’s predictions actually right? 😅 We also get into a side of kapa haka that doesn’t always get talked about: the art of MCing. What actually makes a good MC? What’s the pressure like holding it all together across an entire weekend? According to Te Wehi… it’s not as easy as it looks. And Kereama reignites an old debate... should Tauranga have its own regional kapa haka competition? 👀 Make sure you LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more Haka Yarns! Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāhō i ēnei pūtea tautoko. #kapahaka #māori #competition #indigenous #aratauamedia

In this wānanga, we check out results from the last Mātaatua Regionals - what actually went down in 2024? 👀 And are we about to see a repeat… or a reset? Then… we put our reputations on the line. We lock in our PICKS. No fence sitting here. Even the crew cam gets involved! 😅 Who qualifies? Who’s on the edge? And who could completely shake up the rohe this year? We get into the nitty-gritty! Want more HAKA YARNS? Subscribe to the Arataua Youtube channel. Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāhō i ēnei pūtea tautoko #kapahaka #māori #competition #indigenous #aratauamedia

We preview Mātaatua Regionals 2026 ahead of the big whakataetae this weekend! 14 kapa go head-to-head for just 6 spots at Te Matatini. Who will bring it? 👀 From defending champions to fresh, youthful lineups… from 30-year anniversaries to kapa returning after decades away from Te Matatini, this weekend is STACKED. No Anipātene this week sadly so it’s up to Chey and Kereama to hold the kōrero and give the people what they want… “just like old times” they reckon! 😂 Enjoy our full breakdown of Mātaatua Kapa Haka! And let us know your PICKS in the comments! New episodes drop every Wednesday & Thursday. Subscribe for more #HAKAYARNS ❤️‍🔥

Alright, let’s talk kapa haka judging! In this wānanga, we pick the brains of Te Matatini judge Ruakiri Fairhall (who was also Head Judge at the Tākitimu Regionals), and get a straight-up masterclass on what really happens behind the scenes. We get into: •⁠ ⁠What Matatoki actually does (and doesn’t do) •⁠ ⁠Challenging marks when scores and comments don’t line up •⁠ ⁠Judging eligibility + conflict of interest And then the big kaupapa… If not every kapa makes Te Matatini, how do we keep growing, evolving and keeping the ahi alive between competitions? Has Te Matatini become the only measure of success? This one’s a proper wānanga. LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more Haka Yarns!

Let’s recap Tākitimu Regionals! 🔥 From the fresh wave of rangatahi stepping up to the seasoned kaihaka across the stage, Russell Park was alive! In this episode, we’re lucky to be joined by kaiwhakawā, Ruakiri Fairhall. We talk: •⁠ ⁠Standout moments •⁠ ⁠Crowd, venue & atmosphere highlights •⁠ ⁠Results (aggregate + non-aggregate) •⁠ ⁠Anonymous judge feedback •⁠ ⁠Honourable mentions & our Top 12 PLUS, we wānanga the broadcast sound issues 👀 and what happens when the livestream doesn’t quite hit the mark. Is there a better way forward? Let’s kōrero! Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more HAKA YARNS. #HakaYarns #Tākitimu #KapaHaka #TeMatatini #Regionals

Regionals season has officially entered the chat! 💥 Tākitimu waka, we see you. 14 kapa. 4 tickets to Te Matatini. One ratio rule that still has everyone talking 👀 In wahanga tuarua of Haka Yarns we: 🔥 Break down the rōpū 🔥 Drop our 2026 Top 4 predictions 🔥 Debate the Te Matatini ratio rule Whakamōhio mai: Have you been to Tākitimu regionals? What shifts are you seeing in the rohe? Let’s wānanga! Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more weekly HAKA YARNS!

Haka Yarns is BACK, e te whānau! And, this season is looking 🔥! We'll be dropping two episodes a week every Wednesday and Thursday, and diving headfirst into te ao kapa haka - from Regional comp previews and results to what's going on offstage and behind the scenes 👀 This is a wānanga space for those haka nuts who LIVE and BREATHE kapa haka! In this first episode, we: •⁠ ⁠Share our whakaaro on the Te Pāti Māori manawawera last week at Waitangi •⁠ ⁠Break down our 2026 Regional Kapa Haka Competitions •⁠ ⁠Unpack the latest Te Matatini rule changes PLUS we talk about what it really means to choose a kapa haka today. Is it all about whakapapa and loyalty… or is there more to it? Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more weekly HAKA YARNS!

Haka Yarns is BACK! In this special episode, we're talking Kura Tuarua kapa haka and all the latest Te Matatini updates. Of course, it wouldn’t be Haka Yarns without Chey, Kereama & Anipātene sharing their straight-up opinions about all things haka. Also joining the kōrero are two talented rangatahi voices - Atareta Milne and Manawapōhatu McGarvey-Borell! Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more! 00:00 Intro 04:22 Te Matatini Updates 24:17 Top 5 Haka Highlights 33:13 Tiya Blake-Ohlsen / Kaiako - Manukura 40:52 Haka Feels / Te Arawa Kapa Haka Kura Tuarua Regionals 44:32 Atareta Milne and Manawapōhatu McGarvey-Borell

Haka Yarns is BACK for a one-off episode. Unpack the MASSIVE week that was TE MATATINI O TE KĀHUI MAUNGA with Chey, Kereama and Anipātene! We're lucky enough to have Matua Duncan in the whare keeping us in line 😉🏆 Nau mai te wānanga! 00:00 Intro 01:25 Pool 1 13:55 Pool 2 22:17 Pool 3 22:50 Ngāti Whakaue 27:22 TOA 32:07 Pool 4 44:00 Pool Systems? 45:44 Matangirua 01:05:00 Online Questions