Haka Yarns

Ever wondered how? 👀 Here's a look at what goes into making Haka Yarns each week! With the regional season now wrapped up, we're taking you behind the scenes of our final shoot and sharing some of the moments you don't normally get to see. Want to see more content like this? Let us know, e te whānau! Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE... #kapahaka #podcast #nzpodcast #māori #hakayarns...

32 uploads later! We're at the end of a MASSIVE season of kapa haka and Haka Yarns. Over the past 16 weeks, we've previewed, reviewed and wānanga'd every regional competition on the road to Te Matatini 2027. We have 56 kapa qualified for Hopuhopu and the excitement is ALREADY building! In this episode we look back at the biggest moments, the most controversial kōrero and the standout performances...

The regional season has officially come to an end! Join us for our recap of Haka Mai 2026 from Te Whanganui-a-Tara, where 13 kapa battled it out for the final four qualifying spots at Te Matatini 2027. BIG MIHI to our qualifiers: Te Kapa Haka o Pukeatua Tū Te Maungaroa Te Pū Toi Kura Ngā Tai Whiringa We break down the standout performances from across the competition, including the rise of Te Pū T...

Whuuuu we’ve made it to the last regionals of the round! 🔥 In this wānanga, we head to Te Whanganui-a-Tara ahead of Haka Mai, where 13 kapa will take the stage competing for just four qualifying spots at Te Matatini 2027. We have Eugene Temara in the whare (formerly in Ngā Taonga Mai Tawhiti, now Ngāti Whakaue) and he shares his insider knowledge on the comp and the kapa performing. This year's c...

The long-awaited wrap-up of Waitaha Regionals is here! A BIG MIHI to all of our loyal viewers who have been waiting for this one to drop! In this episode, we unpack the biggest talking points coming out of the comp… First up, we address the social media kōrero that sparked strong reactions across the kapa haka community. Then we get into a full recap of the competition, including Te Ahikaaroa's st...

🔥 Waitaha Matatū is HERE and we’re breaking down everything you need to know ahead of one of the most unique regional competitions in the motu 👀 19 kapa will be competing for 5 qualifying spots to head to Hopuhopu for Te Matatini next year 😮‍💨 Disclaimer: Chey and Kahurangi are judging the whakataetae, so we won’t be doing our usual picks to stay neutral BUT we’re still keen to wānanga all thi...

🔥 Tāmaki Makaurau delivered some fierce competition! E mihi ana ki ngā kapa katoa i tū! But it was Angi-who? Angitu! who came away as winners. Anipātene, Chey and the Crew Cam talk final placings, tight scoring, the performances that had us glued to the screen, anonymous judges feedback and inside scoop. You won’t want to miss this recap! Six kapa qualified for Te Matatini and we reflect on the s...

This week on Haka Yarns, Anipātene, Chey and Kereama continue building the ultimate Haka Yarns Fantasy Bracket 👀🔥 This time we dive into Poi, Haka, Whakawātea and Kaitātaki, with each presenter bringing in their all-time favourite performances 🏆 From emotional classics to explosive stage moments, the debates got heated quickly 😮‍💨😂 And once again… our cam crew had the final say 👀 We also tu...

This week on Haka Yarns, Anipātene, Chey and Kereama kick off the ultimate Haka Yarns Fantasy Bracket 👀🔥 We’re starting with the classics - Waiata Tira, Whakaeke, Mōteatea and Waiata-ā-ringa - as each presenter brings in their favourite items of all time to battle it out for a spot in the ultimate fantasy lineup. From iconic throwbacks to unforgettable moments that shaped the kapa haka world, th...

In this episode of Haka Yarns, we have Tama Te Rerewa Koopu in the whare to wānanga the PERFECT kapa haka campaign… what does that look like? And, if you could have it your way, what’s the ideal road to Te Matatini? Some of the key kōrero: •⁠ ⁠When should the core team start planning and composing? •⁠ ⁠The ideal time to begin campaign prep •⁠ ⁠How often should kapa be practising? •⁠ ⁠When should c...

This week, Kereama returns to the pae kōrero and we revisit the Te Pae Kahurangi haka, the accusations of racism that followed, and the story he was first to break. Then, we recap Te Tau Ihu 🔥 From final placings to standout moments and anonymous judges feedback! We also wānanga one of the biggest talking points in te ao kapa haka right now… Do the current Te Matatini qualifying ratios reflect th...

E hoki whakamuri ana ki ngā mahi whakamīharo o Rangitāne, ā, ka anga whakamua ki Te Tauihu! We recap the Rangitāne Regionals and preview what’s to come at Kia Hūkere te Hoe in Te Tauihu. 👀🔥 What a weekend for Rangitāne! Tama, Chey and Anipātene break down the results, standout moments and key kōrero from the weekend, including: - A dead heat at the top between Te Tū Mataora and Te Tini o Rēhua:...

PLENTY to wānanga about after the Tainui Waka Regionals! 👀 Joining Anipātene and Chey on the Haka Yarns couch is Tama Te Rerewa Koopu (Tauira Mai Tawhiti), who grew up in the Waikato - straight out of Rāhui Pōkeka! In this episode, we break down: •⁠ ⁠The RESULTS - who’s heading to Te Matatini? 🏆 •⁠ ⁠Standout kapa from the weekend •⁠ ⁠Kapa who picked up deductions - what happened? •⁠ ⁠The emcee e...

Tainui Waka Regionals are HERE 🔥 23 kapa will take the stage, including 14 competitive rōpū all chasing one of just SIX spots at Te Matatini 👀 In this preview, we wānanga: - How Waikato are preparing to host Te Matatini 2027 - Our Kaitātaki Tāne predictions for Mōtai Tangata Rau 👀 - Judges + some VERY interesting new additions to the disciplines Plus, the rumour mill is strong e te whānau! We h...

The Rangitāne Kapa Haka Regionals are heading to Palmerston North this Saturday 🔥 With THREE kapa in the competition and THREE spots to Te Matatini on the line, it’s not about qualification… it’s about who takes the win 👀 In this preview, we break down: •⁠ ⁠The competing kapa in the rohe •⁠ ⁠What to expect from each group •⁠ ⁠The judging panel and what they’ll be looking for Pātuhi mai: Give us...

In this wānanga, Chey, Anipātene and Otene kōrero about iwi styles and what makes a kapa unique! Because you can always tell the ones who have truly owned their tāera. We talk about: - Historic styles - The influence of kaiako and their creative direction - Why leaning into your uniqueness can elevate your kapa And.. Chey asks the pātai 👀 Favourite entrance of all time: What is it? The Crew Cam j...

In this wānanga, we get into the reality of burnout in te ao kapa haka: what it is, why it happens, and when it might be time to step back. From the pressure of intense schedules to the creative strain on kaitito, kaihaka and tutors, we have a kōrero about the real load people are carrying behind the scenes. We also dive into the FOMO and the fear of losing momentum or missing out if you take a br...

What a weekend in TTT! There was a lot of discussion leading into the weekend about whether the whakataetae would go ahead but it did, and WOW. The kapa delivered. This is a jam-packed kōrero with plenty of perspectives from across the day. We’ve got Kahurangi on Crew Cam, who judged Whakaeke and Poi at Te Tai Tokerau, and Otene Hopa, Tutor and Kaitātaki Tāne of Hātea, who placed 2nd over the week...

And that’s how you WIN! Whuuuu! Te Kahu Ariki dominated at the Aussie Kapa Haka Competition last weekend and we’re here to recap it all! This week we’re joined on the couch by Otene Hopa, kaitātaki of Hātea, who has long been involved in kapa haka in Ahitereiria. Together, we break down the results, share our thoughts and talk about the growth of kapa haka in Australia over the last few years beca...

PSA 📢 At the time of recording and uploading, the whakataetae is still going ahead. We hope everyone travelling and performing this weekend stays safe in this weather. Kia haumaru koutou, otirā, tātou katoa! This week, we head to Te Tai Tokerau for 'Maranga Mai e te Iwi', where our very own Kahurangi will be judging! With 9 kapa ngāhau, 5 kapa whakataetae, and only 4 qualifying through to Te Mata...

Kua hoki mai a Kereama! While he was away, the Te Arawa Kapa Haka Committee announced a change to the regionals results, confirming first equal placings between Te Pikikōtuku o Ngāti Rongomai and Ngāti Whakaue. Wiwiwiwiwi… te drama hoki! We react to the news, and we ask: He aha pea ētahi akoranga? What can we learn from this? Then we head to Te Whenua Moemoeā! This weekend, three kapa will qualify...

Arguably one of the biggest pressures we face as kaihaka in te ao kapa haka! 👀 Why do people choose their kapa? Is it about whakapapa? Opportunity? Growth? What does loyalty really mean? And when does it become waka jumping? We wānanga the expectations placed on kaihaka, from whānau ties to progression, to the pressure of staying put. PLUS what's the difference between kapa-ā-iwi and karapu? Chey...

We’re 1 day away from TE ARAWA REGIONALS 🔥 and it’s safe to say things have been boiling away in our tari… The weekend we’ve been anticipating the most as a team of Te Arawa kaihaka! Can Ngāti Whakaue (Kereama & Anipātene) defend their crown? Or will Ngāti Rangiwewehi (Chey & Kahu) take the reins this year? Maybe it’s the year for Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao (Hapi) who placed 2nd in 2024? Or...

A new champion has been crowned at Te Kāhui Maunga Regionals… and what a weekend it was! For everyone who missed him, Chey is back! In this episode of Haka Yarns, the crew unpack the results, the performances that stood out, and the razor-thin margin that decided the winners. E mihi ana li Ngā Purapura o Te Taihauāuru! We also share anonymous judge insights, honour some standout moments from acros...

Back again with Anipātene, Kereama and Te Wehi and this time, we head to Te Kāhui Maunga as the rohe prepares for their upcoming regionals! With 13 kapa competing for just 4 qualifying spots, the pressure is ON! The crew break it down - which teams should we be looking out for? Who are the judges on the panel this year? And who are they picking to go through? We also get into a wānanga about one o...