Runners-up at the 2014 Tainui regionals, Te Iti Kahurangi are definitely a crowd favourite. Today they wowed the crowds with their singing at the Claudelands Arena in Hamilton.
Although pan-tribal, most of the team affiliate to Waikato, Raukawa, Maniapoto and Hauraki. As a result, the team are fortunate to have the support of many Tainui marae but they do acknowledge their base marae Rukumoana in the Ngaati Haua region where the majority of their tutors also stem from.
Their name “Whāia te iti kahurangi – Pursuit of Excellence’ refers to their philosophy of the never ending pursuit of the dream and the unquenchable thirst for excellence.
Led by Kingi Kiriona and Tiare kata Teinakore, the team has chosen to share their Whakaeke (entrance item) titled "Te Hekenga o Maruiwi."
A performance that acknowledges and mourns the loss of key figures like Erima Hēnare, Mauriora Kingi, Ranginui Walker, Mereiwa Broughton, Tama Te Rerewa Kōpū and so many more.