Last week Matepo Hepi joined our Nayland College whānau as our new Kapa Haka Tutor. Today we get to learn a bit more about his upbringing and the influences that have shaped him to be the inspiring person he is today.

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

Kia Ora!

I am born and bred in Rotorua. I was brought up by my grandparents who nurtured my upbringing.

Where else have you lived besides Nelson?

I have lived in Melbourne, Whakatāne, Rotorua and currently in Richmond, Nelson,

Why did you decide to be a Kapa Haka Tutor?

I was nurtured into an upbringing around performing arts in the tourism sector. My grandmother travelled the world with my father in tow, performing in different countries throughout the world such as, Germany, Switzerland, Canada and Pacific Islands. My grandmothers father was the first master carver at Te Puia in which my grandmother continues to do performing arts through concerts for tourists. Being able to share my culture through kapa haka tutorship has been a generational pathway that was paved by my grandmother and my father.

What do you enjoy most about leading/teaching kapa haka?

I enjoy exploring the creativity side of kapa haka, the tunes, choreography, the effects to bring together a bracket or an item. Being immersed in Te Ao Māori and making lifelong connections.

What are your passions and areas of expertise?

I have a passion for helping people reach their full potential. People gravitate towards the already established rōpū but in my opinion, that’s no fun! Being able to grow in an environment that adds value to a person in Te Ao kapa haka is a passion of mine.

What are you hoping to bring to our ākonga at Te Kāreti o Neirana?

Hoping to bring a breath of fresh air and being able to move Neirana into a new era with kapa haka! Being able to contribute to the community and kapa haka through our culture.

Who has inspired you on your own learning journey?

Tukiterangi Curtis, Rehua Mihaka, Hiria Mihaka, many other people to name but each experience with each person has made me the person I am today!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Kapa haka with local team Kia Ngāwari.

What were you like as a student at school?

I…..was……NEVER in trouble, NEVER had detention and attended every single day 😉

What did you do for a living before you became a Kapa Haka Tutor?

I worked for Tower Insurance! I've mostly worked in office environments until I aligned myself with my passions. It has been a beautiful journey.

What is the most interesting thing you have done in your life so far?

Our senior kapa haka team Te Pikikotuku o Ngati Rongomai coming 1st equal at Te Matatini 2019 with Nga Tumanako (we were announced second as could only have official placings!) And celebrating 50 years with Kia Ngāwari Kapa Haka.

Describe yourself with three words:

PASSIONATE, MĀORI, REAL!

If you could share one piece of wisdom with the students of Nayland College what would it be?

Success will be your biggest goal, determination will be your biggest winner!