Northern kapa haka veterans Chris Henare and Sandra Waitai-Henare have been honoured with the prestigious ‘Te Tohu Whakamānawa o Te Matatini Award’ for their exceptional contributions to te ao Haka.
A recent video released by Creative NZ in collaboration with Muriwhenua Kapa Haka and Te Matatini on Instagram, highlights the foundation of where the power couple draws their inspiration.
The Te Tohu Whakamānawa o Te Matatini Award is presented to individuals who have shown outstanding leadership and excellence in Kapa Haka, including its expression in te reo Māori and tikanga (language and cultural practices). This award acknowledges those who have made a lasting impact, particularly those who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
“What makes Te Tohu Whakamānawa o Te Matatini Award unique is that it recognises the various ways that people contribute to Kapa Haka,” says Carl Ross, Te Manahautū | Chief Executive. “It’s about acknowledging the unsung heroes and champions like Chris and Sandra who, through kapa haka, provide voluntary support to their far north community.”
Together, Chris (Ngāti Kahu/Te Whānau-ā-Apanui/Ngāti Porou) and Sandra (Ngāti Kurī/nga iwi katoa o Muriwhenua/Tūhourangi ki Tarawera, Ngāti Wahiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Te Arawa) have been at the heart of Kapa Haka in the North for over 25 years. The couple co-founded Te Rōpū o Muriwhenua and have been instrumental in teaching haka across numerous schools in the region. They have also established key community initiatives such as Kids Club Pioke, Muriwhenua sports teams, the Te Hiku Maiangi festival, and the Muriwhenua Daddy’s Club.
Deeply committed to cultural revitalization, Chris and Sandra have embedded te reo Māori and tikanga into their work, ensuring that nearly 85% of their students are fluent in te reo Māori. Their teachings extend from kōhanga reo to kura kaupapa, wharekura, and senior kapa haka groups, creating a strong foundation for the next generation of performers.
“Through annual reo wānanga, they reinforce language skills and cultural depth, ensuring kapa haka becomes not only a performance art but a living embodiment of te reo and tikanga.”
Their dedication to guiding rangatahi through the kapa haka journey, from early childhood education to senior groups, has helped nurture the voices of their iwi and empowered young people to step forward with confidence. This support is crucial in a region that faces adversity, with Te Rōpū o Muriwhenua serving as a beacon of resilience and pride.
“As a result of their contributions they have ensured te reo Māori has a place to thrive and have established a strong kapa haka legacy for all generations in the Far North as well as supporting kaihaka to look beyond.”
Under Chris and Sandra’s leadership, their kapa has represented Muriwhenua on international stages, including performances in Australia, Rarotonga, Hawaii, and Brazil. They are now planning to bring a group to an international cultural festival in Spain.
“Chris and Sandra continue to inspire and uplift their community, showcasing the excellence, pride, and heritage of the Far North wherever they go. Their legacy lies in these life-changing experiences and their unwavering commitment to opening new worlds for whānau through Māori performing arts.”
The Te Waka Toi annual awards, now in their 38th year, celebrate the artistic excellence and contributions of Māori artists. These awards honor those who have made significant impacts in both traditional and contemporary Māori arts. This year, the awards were presented in a new format to allow recipients to celebrate with their whānau and communities in a meaningful way.
Senior Manager of Te Kaupapa o Toi Aotearoa, Haniko Te Kurapa, explains the shift in presentation style: “Rather than a traditional ceremony, we chose to honour our recipients on their whenua, allowing recipients to celebrate with their whānau and communities in a meaningful way that reflects their values.”
