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National | Christchurch

Te Matatini 2015 preparations underway

Preparations for the worlds largest Kapa Haka competition are now underway with the organisers and hosts confirming accommodation arrangements in Christchurch.

With over 1800 performers and 400 registered volunteers needed to help bring this event to life, organisers say there is a sense of relief knowing that accommodation has been secured.

Te Matatini chairman, Selwyn Parata, says "the sheer logistics related to securing accommodation and attracting volunteers was an extraordinary feat for a city in the middle of a rebuild"

Each of the 45 teams and their support crew are being accommodated in homes, hotels, marae, and billeted throughout Christchurch.

In addition to the performers and volunteers, a 1,300 strong workforce will also be involved in setting up the massive infrastructure for the festival and staffing as well as arts and crafts, entertainment and exhibition area.

The four day event will be hosted by the Waitaha Cultural Council with support from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and the Christchurch City Council.

The theme of next years festival is He Ngākau Aroha 'A Loving Heart'. This was chosen by the hosts as an acknowledgement of the manaaki and whanaungatanga shown to Christchurch following the earthquakes.

Festival goers will also have access to a radio programme with english translations called Hakarongo Mai which will provide free to air english commentary of all the kapa haka performances.

Also this month, the 26 official judges for Te Matatini 2015 were announced and are as follows:

In the Aggregate sections:

Whakaeke - Haani Huata, Tui Ransfield, Hemi Tai Tin, Pouroto Ngaropo

Mōteatea - Georgina Kerekere, Turuhira Hare, Mauriora Kingi, Ruka Broughton

Poi - Huia Julie Hahunga, Leanne Morehu, Ngamoni Huata, Te Atarangi Whiu

Waiata ā-ringa - Hema Temara, Kuini Moeahu Reedy, Leon Blake, Puka Moeau

Haka - Joe Harawira, Maihe Nikora, Mark Kopua, Muriwai Ihakara

Whakawātea - Pania Papa, Tihi Puanaki, Chris Winitana, Watson Ohia

In the Non- Aggregate sections:

Kaitātahi Wāhine - Hema Temara, Kuini Moehau Reedy, Tihi Puanaki, Turuhira Hare

Kaitātaki Tāne - Hemi Tai Tin, Joe Harawira, Mauriora Kingi, Muriwai Ihakara

Kākahu - Te Rangi Hemi, Tui Ransfield, Mark Kopua, Tei Nohotima

Waiata Tira - Leanne Morehu, Te Rangi Hemi, Leon Blake, Watson Ohia

Te Matatini will take place between the 4-8 of March 2015.