Haka Yarns

The dust has settled after the Mātaatua Regionals… but the kōrero is just getting started! In this episode of Haka Yarns, we recap the results, the standout performances, the surprises, and we take a look at the reason defending champions Te Whānau a Apanui had a 5 point deduction, placing them 6th overall. Joining us in the whare is seasoned kaihaka and MC Te Wehi Preston, sitting down with Anipā...

In this wānanga, we check out results from the last Mātaatua Regionals - what actually went down in 2024? 👀 And are we about to see a repeat… or a reset? Then… we put our reputations on the line. We lock in our PICKS. No fence sitting here. Even the crew cam gets involved! 😅 Who qualifies? Who’s on the edge? And who could completely shake up the rohe this year? We get into the nitty-gritty! Want...

We preview Mātaatua Regionals 2026 ahead of the big whakataetae this weekend! 14 kapa go head-to-head for just 6 spots at Te Matatini. Who will bring it? 👀 From defending champions to fresh, youthful lineups… from 30-year anniversaries to kapa returning after decades away from Te Matatini, this weekend is STACKED. No Anipātene this week sadly so it’s up to Chey and Kereama to hold the kōrero and...

Alright, let’s talk kapa haka judging! In this wānanga, we pick the brains of Te Matatini judge Ruakiri Fairhall (who was also Head Judge at the Tākitimu Regionals), and get a straight-up masterclass on what really happens behind the scenes. We get into: •⁠ ⁠What Matatoki actually does (and doesn’t do) •⁠ ⁠Challenging marks when scores and comments don’t line up •⁠ ⁠Judging eligibility + conflict...

Let’s recap Tākitimu Regionals! 🔥 From the fresh wave of rangatahi stepping up to the seasoned kaihaka across the stage, Russell Park was alive! In this episode, we’re lucky to be joined by kaiwhakawā, Ruakiri Fairhall. We talk: •⁠ ⁠Standout moments •⁠ ⁠Crowd, venue & atmosphere highlights •⁠ ⁠Results (aggregate + non-aggregate) •⁠ ⁠Anonymous judge feedback •⁠ ⁠Honourable mentions & our T...

Regionals season has officially entered the chat! 💥 Tākitimu waka, we see you. 14 kapa. 4 tickets to Te Matatini. One ratio rule that still has everyone talking 👀 In wahanga tuarua of Haka Yarns we: 🔥 Break down the rōpū 🔥 Drop our 2026 Top 4 predictions 🔥 Debate the Te Matatini ratio rule Whakamōhio mai: Have you been to Tākitimu regionals? What shifts are you seeing in the rohe? Let’s wānan...

Haka Yarns is BACK, e te whānau! And, this season is looking 🔥! We'll be dropping two episodes a week every Wednesday and Thursday, and diving headfirst into te ao kapa haka - from Regional comp previews and results to what's going on offstage and behind the scenes 👀 This is a wānanga space for those haka nuts who LIVE and BREATHE kapa haka! In this first episode, we: •⁠ ⁠Share our whakaaro on t...

Haka Yarns is BACK! In this special episode, we're talking Kura Tuarua kapa haka and all the latest Te Matatini updates. Of course, it wouldn’t be Haka Yarns without Chey, Kereama & Anipātene sharing their straight-up opinions about all things haka. Also joining the kōrero are two talented rangatahi voices - Atareta Milne and Manawapōhatu McGarvey-Borell! Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCR...

Haka Yarns is BACK for a one-off episode. Unpack the MASSIVE week that was TE MATATINI O TE KĀHUI MAUNGA with Chey, Kereama and Anipātene! We're lucky enough to have Matua Duncan in the whare keeping us in line 😉🏆 Nau mai te wānanga! 00:00 Intro 01:25 Pool 1 13:55 Pool 2 22:17 Pool 3 22:50 Ngāti Whakaue 27:22 TOA 32:07 Pool 4 44:00 Pool Systems? 45:44 Matangirua 01:05:00 Online Questions