Te Maurea Whiritoi 2024 (Prelims)

The prelims kapa haka performance of Te Maurea Whiritoi from the national competition, Huinga Whetū, at Trafalgar Centre, Nelson in 2024.

Waiata Tira - He Korōria ki te Atua (0:00)

This Choral was composed in November 1999 for Taniwharau Seniors who were preparing their national bracket for the ATMPAS Kapa Haka Competitions hosted at Turangawaewae in 2000. The ethos of the Choral was centered around the spiritual element within Kingitanga and the connection to the Ratana faith, however 'He Korōria ki te Atua' was also dedicated to the late Dame Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu because of her humility and dignity that engraved so much respect throughout Aotearoa. Nā te kaitito, nā Hone Nuku Tarawhiti ēnei kōrero.

Te Maurea Whiritoi sang this song as tribute to Matua Lad, and a dedication to the whānau Kihi.

Whakaeke - Tainui Rangaranga (2:54)

There are three stories intertwined with this composition. Firstly, it is a celebration of our ancestors that navigated the Pacific Ocean to Aotearoa, and a validation of our mātauranga Māori that equipped them with the tools to achieve those great feats. Secondly, it acknowledges the migration of our Tainui relatives from the West Coast of the North Island to Te Tauihu. Thirdly, it pays tribute to the tangata whenua of Te Tauihu, beginning with the tribes of Kurahaupo and Tokomaru, culminating in those that derive from the waka of Tainui.

Waiata Oriori - Te Rangitauārire (7:22)

In recent times, mana Māori motuhake has been under attack from many different angles. The purpose of this composition is to remind us, as Māori, that our mana derives from atua Māori at the beginning of time, a sacred power handed down to us from our ancestors. It is a power that cannot be diminished by anyone in any way. Ancient understandings of the weather is used as the context to explore this theme.

Poi - Iria Ngā Rangi (11:29)

Firstly, this poi pays homage to three pivotal figures at the forefront of the revitalisation of taonga pūoro: Hirini Melbourne, Rangiiria Hedley and Hinewirangi Morgan. Secondly, with a tinge of regret, the composer reflects on their own experiences and skills in taonga pūoro, lamenting the absence of substantial contributions to recent revitalisation endeavours. With this song, the composer hopes to inspire the next generation to pursue the realm of taonga pūoro.

Waiata ā-ringa - Nō reira, e te Aumangea (17:10)

30 years ago, Te Aumangea was performed by Tū Te Maungaroa at the national kapa haka competitions in Hāwera 1994. One of the themes the song carried, was anxiousness for the future of the Māori language and culture. This song was written as a response to that question, a tribute to those past and current warriors of the Māori language, as well as a promise of hope for a thriving future for the Māori world.

Haka - Te Iro Kairoro (20:19)

People of all ages, without realising it, often find themselves controlled by corporate interests seeking profits through extensive social media usage. Frequently, individuals become immobile in unproductive tasks due to their addiction to electronic devices. Moreover, anxiety and depression caused by social media deeply affect our families, creating destructive outcomes. This haka serves as a call to regain sovereignty over our own lives. Resist the destructive influence of social media, which consumes our thoughts. Embrace and preserve your individual dignity and independence.

Whakawātea - I ruia mai i Rangiātea (23:18)

This item ties together the many different themes that have been expressed throughout this years programme. In a time where the relevance and validity of mana Māori motuhake has been questioned, it is only right to remind us of the power of who we are, as Māori, as indigenous peoples of world, as we channel the power of ancestors as we move forward with confidence into the future.