Tēnā tatou katoa. Ko tōku ingoa Wairoa Pritchard, reporting as the Captain of Kapa Haka for 2022.

Te Maurea Whiritoi has had a very successful year.  Not only succeeding in our goals, but also exceeding expectations throughout the motu.

Our first performance was in mid-May at the Super 8 Cultural Festival in Napier.  The Super 8 performance was a student run campaign, led by Hohaia and myself.  We came away with second place, losing to the former National champions, Raukura.  Although we were runners up, the Super 8 Festival provided a good feel for what it's like to perform on a stage in front of a crowd.  When we returned from Napier, our bond between the boys grew unbreakable, mentally preparing us for the next competition, Kapa Haka Nationals.  The top four Kapa Haka teams from all rohe came together to compete in the Kapa Haka National Championships.

On September 14th, Te Maurea Whiritoi delivered their most successful performance to date.  The bracket was a roller-coaster of emotions as each item was personally felt by every kaihaka.  On the national stage, Te Maurea Whiritoi placed 4th out of 39 kapa haka roopu.  Being the top non-kura kaupapa Māori school, and also being top in our own rohe, Te Maurea Whiritoi walked away with the highest placing we have ever achieved at a National competition, beating the 5th place we previously achieved at the 2016 and 2018 Nationals.  

Te Maurea Whiritoi has done a lot of side performances, such as at the Māori All Blacks versus Ireland rugby game.  Even up high in office buildings for companies that wanted a bit of awhi on Māoritanga.  Te Maurea Whiritoi provides a staunch grounding for our young Māori rangatahi who wish to perform the same way their tipuna did.  One of the most important performances was at the Koroneihana, where the iwi came together to celebrate our Māori King, Tūheitia.

None of this would have been possible if it wasn't for our daring tutors, Matua Toti West, Whaea Frankie, and Whaea Puhi.  Tēnā kotou.  Thank you for providing us a safe space to strive in Te Ao Māori, and thank you for giving us all a sense of belonging to the system.  Your love was heavily felt throughout the year, and I personally would do all five campaigns again with you all if I could.

Once again, thank you Matua and Whaea for making the magic happen.  The memories we shared, we will hold for life.  Mauri tau!