Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau-a-Apanui were honoured at Te Kaha Marae after defeating 45 teams at Te Matatini two weeks ago in Christchurch.
According to Tamati Waaka, “Our emotions are at another level right now, knowing that we are amongst our people from our children who are wearing their colours to our elders.”
It’s the second time Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau-a-Apanui has taken out the Duncan MacIntyre trophy, the most prestigious award at Te Matatini
“I have spoken to many former kapa haka champions and this is their ultimate prize. Just like in sport and rugby, there is an ultimate prize. But in the kapa haka world, this is the biggest prize ever, the Duncan MacIntyre trophy."
“We as Māori take these moments in a humble way but right now we can't hold it in, we have to let it out," says Mr Waaka.