Defending champions of the 2014 Tairāwhiti Tamararo Competition, Tai Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti ki Ūawa are the eleventh team to perform at the Gisborne Events Centre in Houhoupiko today.
Established over 31 years ago, the group is affiliated to the marae of Puatai, hauiti, Te Rawheoro, Puketawai, Hinemaurea, Okuri and Hinetamatea.
The tutoring team includes John Tuari, maria Leilua, Te Rauhuia Kutia-Ngata, Angela Karini, Terepu Te kani, Julia Wanoa, Victor Walker, Shanan Gray and Watrene Reedy. And leading the team on stage today is Kaitātaki Tane Maui Tangohau and Kaitātaki Wahine Krystal Laulau.
This Waiata Tira (choral) articulates the love and respect of Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti kapa haka for a leader of great promise unrealised.
Te Waikari Kairangatira was the heir apparent to the mana of his father Te Kani-a-Takirau and his mother Hineitieri-i-te-rangi. He was a leader who stood on the cusp of traditional Maori society and a new way of doing things. He adapted admirably.