Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga lead the way this morning at Pūtaringamotu for Day 2 - Te Haumi of Te Matatini 2015.
Despite the rain this morning, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga (NKH) paid a moving tribute to former Chairperson of the Ngāti Kahungunu Runanga Arts and Culture Board and Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated Taumata member, the late Tama Huata, who recently passed away. During the pōhiri day for Te Matatini 2015, the group and the wider Kahungunu contingent brought Tama Huata's 'kawe mate' to present to the nation honouring his contribution to kapa haka throughout his lifetime.
NKH qualified last year at the Kahungunu Regional competition placing third overall, joining Pareārau, Ngāti Ranginui and Te Rerenga Kōtuku.
On Sunday when Te Matatini comes to a close, Ngāti Kahungunu rohe will take on the mauri of Te Matatini as the next hosts of the national competition in Feb 2017.