Haka Yarns

Ever wondered how? 👀Here's a look at what goes into making Haka Yarns each week!With the regional season now wrapped up, we're taking you behind the scenes of our final shoot and sharing some of the moments you don't normally get to see.Want to see more content like this? Let us know, e te whānau!Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE...#kapahaka #podcast #nzpodcast #māori #hakayarns #bts #show #studio

32 uploads later! We're at the end of a MASSIVE season of kapa haka and Haka Yarns.Over the past 16 weeks, we've previewed, reviewed and wānanga'd every regional competition on the road to Te Matatini 2027.We have 56 kapa qualified for Hopuhopu and the excitement is ALREADY building!In this episode we look back at the biggest moments, the most controversial kōrero and the standout performances of 2026, including:💥 The Te Pae Kahurangi haka that had everyone talking💥 Te Whānau a Apanui narrowly missing qualification💥 Te Kahu Ariki going from non-qualifier to regional champion💥 Ngā Purapura o Te Tai Hauāuru claiming Te Kāhui Maunga💥 And of course, Pukeatua winning Haka Mai on debut!We also reveal our Haka Yarns Fantasy Bracket from 2026...PLUS we can’t forget about Kura Tuarua Nationals coming up in two weeks time! A huge mihi to all of our manuhiri who joined us in the whare throughout the season, as well as our anonymous judges, the kapa who featured in Haka Feels, and most importantly, all of you who tuned in every week and kept the kōrero flowing in the comments.Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko.💬 What was YOUR favourite moment of the 2026 regional season? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.#HakaYarns #KapaHaka #TeMatatini #TeMatatini2027 #Māori #TeReoMāori

The regional season has officially come to an end! Join us for our recap of Haka Mai 2026 from Te Whanganui-a-Tara, where 13 kapa battled it out for the final four qualifying spots at Te Matatini 2027.BIG MIHI to our qualifiers:Te Kapa Haka o PukeatuaTū Te MaungaroaTe Pū Toi KuraNgā Tai WhiringaWe break down the standout performances from across the competition, including the rise of Te Pū Toi Kura, the innovative approach of Ngā Tai Whiringa, the powerful return of Tū Te Maungaroa, and the championship-winning campaign of Te Kapa Haka o Pukeatua.We also reflect on the end of an era for Ngā Taonga Mai Tawhiti who miss Te Matatini qualification for the first time since the kapa was established in 2006, and we discuss the growing strength of the kapa haka movement across Te Whanganui-a-Tara.PLUS... we share our thoughts on Tērā te Auahi, the latest theatre production by Te Whare Tapere o Te Arawa. An incredible showcase of talent, innovation and storytelling.The kōrero then turns to the future of kapa haka. How can our artform continue to evolve? What needs to change to ensure we're consistently producing world-class performances, creativity, and that undeniable X-factor? The future is exciting… but where do we go next?A huge mihi to all the kaihaka, kaiako, kaitito, kaiwhakatangi and kaitautoko who have carried us through another incredible regional season.Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE e te whānau!Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho mō ēnei pūtea tautoko.#HakaYarns #HakaMai #KapaHaka #TeMatatini2027

Whuuuu we’ve made it to the last regionals of the round! 🔥In this wānanga, we head to Te Whanganui-a-Tara ahead of Haka Mai, where 13 kapa will take the stage competing for just four qualifying spots at Te Matatini 2027.We have Eugene Temara in the whare (formerly in Ngā Taonga Mai Tawhiti, now Ngāti Whakaue) and he shares his insider knowledge on the comp and the kapa performing.This year's competition has seen amazing growth, with the number of competing teams more than doubling from six in 2024 to 13 in 2026. We preview every kapa in the draw, including defending champs Ngā Taonga Mai Tawhiti, and the iconic Ngāti Pōneke Young Māori Club.We also celebrate the rise of Ngāti Toa Rangatira, with three kapa representing the iwi across the competition.PLUS… we flesh out the most iconic guitarist duos - who’s your faves?? Pātuhi mai.Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko.#HakaYarns #HakaMai #KapaHaka #tematatini #māori

The long-awaited wrap-up of Waitaha Regionals is here! A BIG MIHI to all of our loyal viewers who have been waiting for this one to drop!In this episode, we unpack the biggest talking points coming out of the comp…First up, we address the social media kōrero that sparked strong reactions across the kapa haka community.Then we get into a full recap of the competition, including Te Ahikaaroa's standout performance and success across multiple sections, as well as the campaigns of Kōkō Tangiwai, Ngā Manu a Tāne, Rukutia and Te Pao a Tahu.We hear from Chey and Kahurangi who were at Waitaha as judges. They share their insights, observations and reflections from the weekend that was.Heaps of whakaaro packed into this episode e te whānau! Not to be missed. 🔥LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more Haka Yarns!Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko.

🔥 Waitaha Matatū is HERE and we’re breaking down everything you need to know ahead of one of the most unique regional competitions in the motu 👀19 kapa will be competing for 5 qualifying spots to head to Hopuhopu for Te Matatini next year 😮‍💨Disclaimer: Chey and Kahurangi are judging the whakataetae, so we won’t be doing our usual picks to stay neutral BUT we’re still keen to wānanga all things Waitaha Matatū!In this preview we cover off the teams competing, including defending champions Kōkō Tangiwai, heavy hitters like Ngā Manu ā Tāne, Te Ahikaaroa and Ngā Hau e Whā ki Murihiku, PLUS other teams on the rise.We wānanga the continued growth of kapa haka across Te Waipounamu and how this rohe and the many kapa overcome huge challenges just to be able to compete! Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more Haka Yarns!Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko. #hakayarns #kapahaka #tematatini #māori #tereomāori

🔥 Tāmaki Makaurau delivered some fierce competition! E mihi ana ki ngā kapa katoa i tū!But it was Angi-who? Angitu! who came away as winners.Anipātene, Chey and the Crew Cam talk final placings, tight scoring, the performances that had us glued to the screen, anonymous judges feedback and inside scoop. You won’t want to miss this recap!Six kapa qualified for Te Matatini and we reflect on the standout moments.Tamihana was at the venue and he gives us the lowdown on the running of the event plus what it felt like actually being there!We also look at our Haka Yarns Top 12 - who makes the cut now? Just remember it’s all fantasy, e te whānau! Don’t @ us 😂Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko.Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more Haka Yarns!#HakaYarns #KapaHaka #TeMatatini #TāmakiMakaurau #Māori #TeReoMāori #MāoriMedia

This week on Haka Yarns, Anipātene, Chey and Kereama continue building the ultimate Haka Yarns Fantasy Bracket 👀🔥This time we dive into Poi, Haka, Whakawātea and Kaitātaki, with each presenter bringing in their all-time favourite performances 🏆 From emotional classics to explosive stage moments, the debates got heated quickly 😮‍💨😂And once again… our cam crew had the final say 👀We also turn our attention to the upcoming Tāmaki Makaurau Regionals - one of the most competitive regions in the motu. With 23 teams fighting for just 6 spots at Te Matatini ki Hopuhopu, we unpack our top picks, judging discussions and whether regional judges should come from their own region 🤔🔥With THREE previous winners returning this year, there’s no easy predictions and no guaranteed qualifiers 😳Expect strong opinions, controversial picks, plenty of laughs and some serious haka yarns 🔥Like, comment and subscribe for more Haka Yarns every week.Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko.Connect with us: Instagram: @arataua.mediaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/aratauaFacebook: / arataua Website: https://www.arataua.nzFor all enquiries: info@arataua.nz00:00 - Highlights00:36 - Introduction02:00 - Poi09:00 - Haka16:10 - Whakawātea20:54 - Leaders27:32 - Tāmaki Regionals Breakdown49:08 - Judges52:40 - Top Picks

This week on Haka Yarns, Anipātene, Chey and Kereama kick off the ultimate Haka Yarns Fantasy Bracket 👀🔥We’re starting with the classics - Waiata Tira, Whakaeke, Mōteatea and Waiata-ā-ringa - as each presenter brings in their favourite items of all time to battle it out for a spot in the ultimate fantasy lineup. From iconic throwbacks to unforgettable moments that shaped the kapa haka world, these are the performances that still live rent free in our heads.But here’s the twist… our cam crew get the final say on who the best is 👀 Who deserves to make the Haka Yarns Fantasy Bracket? Jump into the comments and back your favourites.We also reflect on last week’s Te Tairāwhiti Tamararo regionals, unpacking the results, standout performances, big moments from the stage, and which qualifying kapa have earned a place in the Haka Yarns TOP 12 🔥Expect hot takes, nostalgia, debates, and plenty of haka yarns.Like, comment and subscribe for more Haka Yarns every week.Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko.Connect with us: Instagram: @arataua.mediaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/aratauaFacebook: / arataua Website: https://www.arataua.nzFor all enquiries: info@arataua.nz00:00 - Highlights00:44 - Introduction 03:54 - Waiata Tira09:38 - Whakaeke20:23 - Mōteatea23:59 - Waiata ā ringa33:36 - Te Taitāwhiti Recap44:34 - TOP 12

In this episode of Haka Yarns, we have Tama Te Rerewa Koopu in the whare to wānanga the PERFECT kapa haka campaign… what does that look like? And, if you could have it your way, what’s the ideal road to Te Matatini?Some of the key kōrero:•⁠ ⁠When should the core team start planning and composing?•⁠ ⁠The ideal time to begin campaign prep•⁠ ⁠How often should kapa be practising?•⁠ ⁠When should cuts take place?•⁠ ⁠How should cuts be made?•⁠ ⁠Performer vs tutor responsibilities throughout campaignWhether you're a kaihaka, tutor, or just a bit nosey about what goes on behind the scenes, this one’s for you! 👀Drop your whakaaro below: What does your ideal campaign look like?Like, comment and subscribe for more Haka Yarns every week.Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho i ēnei pūtea tautoko.Connect with us: Instagram: @arataua.mediaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/aratauaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/arataua/Website: https://www.arataua.nzFor all enquiries: info@arataua.nz