Te Taituperepere, The Waipā Kapa Haka festival, was held last week.
Hināia Waretini-Huata is a four-year-old with, say those who know her at Ōtorohanga’s Iti a Rata Kōhanga Reo, the spirit of her people.
She was on stage as part of the opening performance during the Waipā Kapa Haka Festival – Te Taituperepere – at Te Awamutu last Friday.
“Hināia – or as we call her at kōhanga “nanny” has the spirit of her people, proud to be Māori every day,” Te Arai Millar-Hetet told The News.
“He ngākau manawa nui – she has a kind heart, the ability to capture hearts, whether she knows you or not.”
The News can vouch for that – she regularly smiled at our camera through the performance and even blew photographer Roy Pilott a kiss.
Millar-Hetet said Hināia had been looking forward to the day and performing to her whānau.
“She loves kōhanga and kapa haka, followed closely by her younger brother Te Ahi a Whakaaha who hits the mark every time with his singing.”
Though attendance numbers were not kept it’s through about 2500 whānau came the watch the festival in the ASB Stadium – among then Rangimarie Waitai who recalled the event’s beginnings in 2006 and commented on huge growth it had enjoyed.
Kura from Ōtorohanga and Kāwhia were represented.
