Since their inception in 2000, Hātea has always qualified to compete at Te Matatini by securing a place at the Tai Tokerau regionals and they'll look to continue that momentum as they compete at Whangarei's ASB stadium today.
The group's success is also credited to their work off stage as tutors Pauline, Joby, Marcia and Otene Hopa embrace the whole community around Pehiaweri Marae in Glenbervie, Whangarei by teaching Ngā mahi ā Rēhia, Tanerore and striving for excellence in Māori performing arts.
Hātea is currently the 2 Degrees – Super 12 champions winning in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 performing as “Whangārei mai Tawhiti” and also feature regularly as a choir group on Praise Be – TV one.
The group has chosen to share their Waiata-a-ringa titled, "E koro Peeni Henare" which refers to the efforts of Labour MP Peeni Henare and their loyalty to him as a Northland leader. The also acknowledge his late father Erima Henare and celebrate this family through whakapapa.