Top from left: Bic Runga, Troy Kingi, Ria Hall and Stan Walker. Photo:
The singer-songwriter Ria Hall is no stranger to the national haka stage, this time she will perform with a new group, Te Taumata o Apanui.
Hall (Ngāi te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui) said it feels different and she's excited about what this group represents.
"We're also trying to really work to accommodate for everyone's very busy lives. So, that was really the reason why we decided to, well, our Pouako decided to formulate this group so we could come together and do haka without constraints of months and months of training," she said.
"So, we started on the second weekend of January, and we had our last one last weekend. So, we come in on a Saturday morning at 10:00am for hāpati and then we finish at lunchtime on a Sunday. But prior to that, we had been sent all our brackets online.
"So, we came in having learnt all the information, learnt the entire bracket online, all the notes, all the words, all the waiata, moteatea, everything. So that when we came into our first practice, we were able to just carry on into the mahi."
Hall said it's about working smarter, not harder.
This way of practising has allowed her and the group to enjoy the experience without burning out and balancing their busy lives.
She said family is at the heart of everything.
"Our babies are a part of the kapa they will be the ones to carry it on when we have to hang up our piupiu," Hall said.
She loves that her children can see her perform and understand the importance of kapa haka.
"The spiritual side is the most important thing to me and my group. Every Saturday when we arrive at the marae, we will bless ourselves, and the Ringatu Church is the church that carries out all those activities. The Whānau ā Apanui are also strong in their praise within the practices of the Ringatu Church," Hall said.
That's a really big part of of who Te Taumata o Apanui is, and essentially who Te Whanau a panui is at large.
Her return to haka feels different this time, she said Te Taumata o Apanui are relaxed and focused on being authentic.
"It's not about winning or competition, it's about being ourselves and enjoying the process," she said.
The style of haka is also new, shaped by the tikanga of the iwi, Te Whānau ā Apanui.
Even though Te Matatini is a huge event in te ao Māori, Hall believes every performance is a pinnacle for her group.
"Each time we perform, we're showing the world who we are as Te Taumata o Apanui," she said.
For her, the most exciting part is performing alongside her iwi and family, especially with her children watching.
"I want them to see their mum on stage and know they can do it too."
As a professional singer, she knows the importance of looking after her voice, health and getting enough sleep, which helps her to perform well.
"Magnesium before bed helps me sleep deeply and recover. I need to take care of my body so I can be at my best," Hall said.
She believes being part of Te Taumata o Apanui is about more than just performing, it's about connecting with her culture, her whānau, and her roots.
Hall is excited for what's to come, knowing her babies will carry the legacy forward.
