The national body for kapa haka has received funding to run a series of performances across the country next year.
Te Whanau-ā-Apanui at Te Matatini 2019. Photo: Te Matatini
It comes after the biennual national kapa haka festival, Te Matatini, was postponed until 2022 due to uncertainty about Covid-19.
However, Te Matatini has now received funding from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage to run 12 ngāhau, or non-competitive kapa haka events across the country.
Chairman Selwyn Parata said they were grateful for the funding which would uplift the spirits of Māori.
Thousands attended the last Te Matatini in Wellington, in 2019. Photo: RNZ / Ana Tovey
Te Matatini also received the Best Arts/Cultural Event at the New Zealand Event Awards on Tuesday.