Kapa haka is gaining popularity in some of Auckland most affluent areas - schools in Kohimarama, Orakei and Remuera are embracing the Māori artform thanks to local haka guru Te Arohanui Hawke.
Matua TA, as he's affectionately known, has gone from helping out just one school in the eastern suburbs to seven. He's also established a kapa haka event to get his haka kids on stage.
"Kapa haka has given me a sense of pride and I hope it gives the kids that too."
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Orakei School deputy principal Mike Earl agrees. He says the work that TA is doing at his school and the other local schools is invaluable and opening a door to Māori culture.
"I don't think kapa haka on its own is enough, but it's an awesome way to get the kids involved in Te Ao Māori and I think TA does a fantastic job of really bringing that."
Matua TA still performs for Manu Huia, one of Auckland's finest kapa haka groups, and he'd love for one of his kids to follow in his footsteps one day.
"If I can get one of my kids on a Matatini stage, I'd be so wrapped because I know that I had a little part in their love for kapa haka".
But for now, these kids are happy to be hit the community stage with Matua TA.
Watch the video for the full report from The Hui.
