"It's only once in a generation you host a Te Matatini event," says Whetu Moataane from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. This is why they're making the most of it by creating a web series that documents the stages of putting a Te Matatini event together.
The world's largest kapa haka festival will be held in Christchurch, and each step of the way will be captured.
“30 years ago was the first time Te Matatini was held here, now this is the second time. So who knows it could be another 25-30 years when it comes back. So the main reason for the web series is to capture every step of the way as a resource for us to look back on when it returns,” says Moataane.
The first of five web series by Ngāi Tahu was released late last month.
Moataane says, “The most recent series we released on our web series is about Te Matatini, the Organising Committee, and the Waitaha Council too.”
Moataane says Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu is trying to engage with beneficiaries through technology.
“We're living in a technological world, so we want to engage with our people and get our message out there via the web,” says Moataane.
The footage captured will be archived. The hope is that Ngāi Tahu will be better prepared next time Te Matatini comes back.
“The tribe want to keep the footage as a resource for our people and our future generations,” Moataane explains.
The next series will be released in the coming weeks. The three Waitaha groups will also be profiled.