Te Waka Huia has claimed the title of supreme winner for the fourth time at Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival 2009. Whāngārā mai Tawhiti were runners-up, followed by third place winners Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau a Apanui.

The Duncan McIntyre Trophy (overall aggregate winner) was presented by Festival Patron Kiingi Tuheitia to Te Waka Huia last night at the end of the four-day festival.

Te Waka Huia was prominent in the competition winning prizes for best performances for the whakaeke, moteatea and whakawatea categories.

Te Waka Huia leaders Ngapo and Pimia Wehi have won this prestigious trophy six times, two times with Waihirere and four with Te Waka Huia.

Te Waka Huia was established in 1981. Festival chairman Selwyn Parata said Te Waka Huia epitomised the high calibre skill, expertiseand discipline demanded of world-class kapa haka.

“Te Waka Huia, Whāngārā mai Tawhiti and Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau a Apanui are exemplars of our indigenous innovation - which all New Zealanders can share and celebrate.”

Mr. Parata thanked the host region, Mataatua, for what he described as a ‘phenomenal effort’ catering for the needs of a crowd which peaked today at 25,000.

Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival is a biennial event and the location of the 2011 festival will be announced in June.

Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival 2009 is sponsored by Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and the University of Waikato, in association with the Ministry of Culture & Heritage and Te Puni Kokiri.