Waioweka is the newest rōpū to join the Mātaatua regional stage. Formed just this year, Waioweka comprises uri of Ngāti Ira, Ngāti Ngahere and Te Whakatōhea.
The message they bring to the stage today is "Te whakatipu, te whakahika i ngā wana ō Waioweka kia tū rangatira."
Whānau of Waioweka had wanted to establish a group for a long time in rememberance of Eric Kurei who taught many of the kaihaka when they attended school in Ōpōtiki.
Kaihaka of the rōpū have also stood for Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti, Tauira Mai Tawhiti and Te Whānau a Apanui in previous years.
Leading Waioweka for the very first time is kaitātaki tāne Tipene Tai and kaitātaki wahine Ria Brosnan. Tutors include Paora Brosnan, who is also one of the main composers, and Ceejay Tai.
Key themes present throughout their performance include whakapono ki te Hāhi Ringatū, whakapono ki te Ngāti Iratanga, whakapono ki te Whakatōheatanga and whakapono ki Te Tarata.
The item they have chosen to share with us today is their poi, Irapuaia composed by Paora Brosnan.