Well known for bringing elements of innovative poi techniques, a levitating taiha and fire to the kapa haka stage, Kataore are the fifth group to take the stage at the Te Arawa regionals today.
Established in 2009, the team takes on the guardian attributes of their taniwha Kataore and incorporates these values through kapa haka for their tamariki, rangatahi and whānau whānui.
Crime, alcohol and drugs has had a major impact on the youth in their community, and the group is determined to provide a positive and encouraging environment for them through performing arts, and by implementing the tikanga and kawa of Ngāti Pikiao and Te Arawa iwi in everything they do.
Kataore is tutored by Thomas Wharerau, Riki Bishop and Rie Morriss, and leading the group on the stage today is kaitataki tāne (male leadwer George Haimona and kaitataki wahine (female leader) Zoey Hatu-Edmonds.
In memory of the late Mauriora Kingi who passed away last year, Kataore dedicate their waiata ā ringa (action song) titled ‘Mauriora”, to a man who was devoted to advancing the initiatives of Te Arawa.