Te Matatini: Haka groups shine on long-awaited return of festival

Te Ringa Kaha prepare to take the stage at Te Matatini. Photo: RNZ / Pokere Paewai

There were haka groups from across the motu performing at the long-awaited Te Matatini national kapa haka festival on Wednesday.

For Dannevirke-based kapa, Te Ringa Kaha, it was their first time on the national stage.

Before their performance, there were lots of nerves, but as they came off stage, there were tears and smiles.

Their kaitataki tane, Wharemako Paewai, was happy but exhausted.

"I'm happy. E kore a muri e hokia. We done it, we did what we set out to do, and now I'm just happy to spend time off the floor with the whānau and have a good vibe for the rest of the Matatini, it's only our first one, it's not going to be our last," he said.

Over the course of the day, thousands of fans flocked to Eden Park, and most had a favourite group.

Some fans did not know which groups they were cheering for - they were just there to cheer for their friends.

Thousands more fans were expected for the second day of the festival on Thursday, with defending champion group Ngā Tumanako performing.

Te Ringa Kaha prepare to take the stage at Te Matatini on 22 February, 2023. Photo: RNZ / Pokere Paewai