Te Matatini: “It Really is That Good”

Australian journalist Bruce Elder spent two weeks in NZ writing a travel blog – TrampaboutNZ – for the Sydney Morning Herald. The highlight of his tour was the Te Matatini kapa haka festival, a three-day cultural event celebrating Maori song, dance, food and culture which, at times, moved him to tears. “Why aren’t NZ Maori groups appearing on WOMAD stages around the world?” asks an incredulous Elder, who doubles as a music critic for the SMH. “All I can say is that on the basis of what I experienced at Te Matatini the world is missing out on one of the truly great musical experiences. The passion, the intensity, the sweet harmonies, the ferocity of the hakas, the creativity of the groups and the sheer dedication of the performers make this an experience that lives in both the memory and the heart for the rest of your life. Yes. It really is that good.”