The Haka Wars is a competition with an aim to preserve and revive the language and customs of Ngā Uri o Tuteauru. Their six marae are using kapa haka and speech competitions as a way to embrace the Māori world.
Haka Wars is the first of its kind, for the people of Ngā Uri o Tuteauru who want to maintain their traditional customs.
Mutunga Rameka (Ngā Uri o Tuteauru) says, "This is the first time there's been a competition like this. In years gone by, we've had Pā Wars but that's only for sports. This competition is specifically to revive the Māori language, revive our traditions and uplift our marae.”
There are six marae; Pukerata, Mahuri, Taheke, Otatara, Moehau and Tuhirangi.
The objective is to compete on the kapa haka stage.
Rameka says, “The idea came from the haka group Ngā Uri o Tuteauru. This year we went to the regional haka competition and thought how could we repay our marae and we thought this is how we could do it.”
Also to compete in the whaikōrero section.
Te Koha Wihongi – Hineamaru says, "One of the key things I'll remember is watching our elders, and what an amazing sight. Despite judging them that was a hard thing to do because I'm so much younger. I love seeing them get up challenge themselves and go for it.”
The winners are yet to be announced and organisers are yet to set another date for the second Haka Wars competition for next year.