Hailing from Ruatoki with a strong connection to their Tūhoetanga, Te Karu is another rōpū that's competing to represent the Mataatua region at Te Matatini 2017.
Te Karu has performed at Te Hui Ahurei ā Tūhoe since 1971, taking out the top spot at this year’s festival only three weeks prior to the Mataatua regional competition.
The group was established in 1950’s and is the only original kapa haka to have performed at Mataatua regionals since its inception in 1986.
Last year Ngāi Tūhoe lost many prominent leaders, including Tiwi Black, Te Uruhina McGarvey and the the last B-Company soldier from Tuhoe Hare Nuku.
In memory of those who have passed, Te Karu dedicates a number of their items to them including their waiata-ā-ring “Te Uruhina”, their whakaeke “He tangi apakura” and their waiatatira “Te Uamairangi”.
Under the guidance of tutors Mahora Hare-Heremia and Edward Harawira, Te Karu took the Mataatua regional stage today. The group was lead on stage by male leader Timoti Harawira and female leader Mahora Hare Heremia.
Today the rōpū has decided to share with us their waiata-a-ringa, Te Uruhina.