Kapa haka captivates Hawera audience LAIRD HARPER

Kapa haka fever gripped Hawera on Saturday as 10 Taranaki, Whanganui and Ratana teams came together for their biennial regional competition. Whether it was the slow, haunting sound of Whanganui's Te Taikura o Te Awa Tupua or the thunderous power of Waitara based Nga Purapura o Te Taihauauru, the more than 1800 spectators were treated to tribal warfare like no other. Taranaki's four teams took advantage of their home ground as the TSB Hub shook to the sound of hundreds of supporters trying to sway the judges. Each team was given 30 minutes to impress with song, poi and haka. However, it was returning regional champions Te Reanga Morehu o Ratana who reclaimed their title ahead of Whanganui's Te Matapihi and Nga Purapura o Te Taihauauru. All three groups will now compete at next year's national Te Matatini event in Rotorua, representing an area from Mokau to Ratana. Co-organiser and performer for hosts Tahupotiki mai Taranaki Matongtonga (Hawera), Phil King, said the judges assessed choreography, language and apparel that was true to each area. He said although the final financial figures were yet to assessed, with more than 1800 people through the door he was sure the ledger would be in the black. Yet it was a bittersweet time for his team as their performance was about honouring the memory of their "Nanny Hui". Maggie Tiahuia Kahu, best known for her work as the vocalist and poi soloist for the Patea Maori Club, was one of two key members who died late last month. Sylvia Turama Kershaw, also a staunch member of Aotea Utanganui, died aged 72. With their team made up of Mrs Kahu's family, Mr King said they focused on "getting it right" rather than winning. "It has been a difficult time for all of us," he said."We came fourth and we are proud of that." In a stirring final performance, the Patea Maori Club sang some of their classics. Ad Feedback - © Fairfax NZ News Last updated 05:00 21/05/2012