Alright, let’s talk kapa haka judging!

In this wānanga, we pick the brains of Te Matatini judge Ruakiri Fairhall (who was also Head Judge at the Tākitimu Regionals), and get a straight-up masterclass on what really happens behind the scenes.

We get into:

•⁠ ⁠What Matatoki actually does (and doesn’t do)

•⁠ ⁠Challenging marks when scores and comments don’t line up

•⁠ ⁠Judging eligibility + conflict of interest

And then the big kaupapa…

If not every kapa makes Te Matatini, how do we keep growing, evolving and keeping the ahi alive between competitions? Has Te Matatini become the only measure of success?

This one’s a proper wānanga.

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