Te Iti Kahurangi is the first of four groups from Tainui rohe to perform at Te Matatini Ki Te Ao.
Established in 2000, most of the team's members affiliate to Waikato, Raukawa, Maniapoto and Hauraki hapū.
As a result of the many Tainui hapū affiliations within the team, they say they are very fortunate to have the support of many Tainui marae, including their base marae, Rukumoana.
This year's performance is about the iwi kāinga, Te Ātiawa Taranaki Whānui in addition to current political issues.
Te Iti Kahurangi's waiata-ā- ringa , Te Pare Raukura, pays tribute to Hinetapere Te Pare Raukura Kiriona, daughter to the group's leader Kingi Kiriona, while also acknowledging her Taranaki heritage.
Posted by Te Ao Māori News on Wednesday, February 20, 2019
The team's oriori this year was dedicated to Neve Te Aroha Ardern-Gayford, daughter of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. They say the oriori looks at the world that she has been born into.
Te Iti Kahurangi were fortunate to perform their song to Prime Minister Ardern for baby Neve.
🌈 TE ITI KAHURANGI: Composed a waiata for our Labour Maori MPs. Our PM Jacinda Ardern wasnt able to see it at the time, so got her own private showing in the changing rooms. Ka mau te wehi!!
Posted by Tamati Coffey on Wednesday, February 20, 2019