Growing up in Waimā as a Waitangi performer

By Ursula Williams

“Sometimes being on the grounds feels mamae.” 

19-year-old Awatea is a dedicated kapa haka performer from the close-knit Waimā community, in the Hokianga area of Northland.

After leaving school at 16, she applied for a job to perform at Waitangi. She’s been there ever since and is known for her amazing ability at poi. 

When she's not on stage, she finds joy in the simple pleasures of her rural lifestyle—feeding her animals, fishing off the rocks, and sharing moments with her boyfriend Sonny. 

The Regions is a docuseries that gives a snapshot of the lives of regional rangatahi in Aotearoa and what matters to them most.

Watch the series now on TVNZ+ and YouTube.

Made with the support of NZ On Air. 

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The Regions

The Regions is a docuseries that gives a snapshot of the lives of regional rangatahi in Aotearoa and what matters to them most.

Made with the support of NZ On Air.

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