Matatū welcomed to Te Tauihu

Recently Whakatū hosted it’s first Super Rugby Aupiki game – Matatū faced the Blues.

Whakatū is considered a home for Te Matatū, so following tikanga, the full team of 33 were welcomed onto Whakatū Marae ahead of the game.

The powhiri also gave a couple of Ngāti Rārua cousins a chance to catch up. Brya Roussel’s cousin is Maia Joseph, who plays halfback for Matatū and is a Black Fern.

Brya said it was wonderful to see her cousin, as well as a team committed their vision and making lasting connections.

“There were about 50 manuhiri. Haukainga included Ngāti Rārua whānau, representatives of the Mako women’s team and Te Tauihu Māori rugby. Dayveen Stephens was kaikaranga and Raniera Peterson kaikōrero. 

“Raniera spoke about our female atua and the wahine carvings in Te Whare Kakati, sharing purakau around the wahine toa in Te Tauihu and the prestige and mana they held and the legacy they left behind for their descendants. He highlighted the connection of whakapapa from our atua to our tupuna, and right down onto the rugby field.”

Barney said Te Matatū side are role models for our kōhine within Te Waipounamu and Te Tauihu. 

“The team members and management were all very supportive of participating and contributing. This year their vision and objective relates to connection and whakapapa. 

“The powhiri  closely aligned with their vision, and the team were well supported by Matua Ruawhetu and their rōpu. 

The match was very well supported by the hapori of Te Tauihu with around 2000 people attending, he said.

“While the match result was not what Te Matatū wanted, there were many positives from the team’s presence here in Te Tauihu. Tasman Rugby Union were also very supportive of the team and match day logistics.”

We wish Te Matatū the best of luck for the rest of the season, knowing the carry a little of Te Tauihu with them every match.