Pānui pāpāho | Media release

19 September 2019

The Jojo Super 9s kapa haka competition scheduled for Saturday [21 September] has been cancelled.

Organisers and sponsors, New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute (NZMACI) and Te Matatini Kapa Haka Aotearoa, made the call after teams withdrew from the event. The competition was created in 2017 in memory of kapa haka enthusiast, the late Jojo Waaka.

NZMACI general manager, Eraia Kiel, says the decision to cancel the Jojo Super 9s was not made lightly, however nine teams were required to achieve the true spirit of the event.

“Unfortunately, teams have had to withdraw due to other commitments, so we were unable to deliver an authentic competition, while paying tribute to our dear friend, without compromising the mana of the event.

“While we’re disappointed we can no longer offer this event as part of the amazing Aronui Arts Festival programme, we’ve had to consider the appeal for the community to watch a condensed show, the effort required by our remaining rōpū haka, and the manpower and cost to set-up at Te Manawa.”

The Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival has showcased a number of exciting events and exhibitions this month, including last weekend’s Aronui Māori Market which attracted a crowd of around 1,000 people.

For more information about the remaining Aronui events, check out www.aronuiartsfestival.com