Toi Background

Began training as a classical singer when she was 10 years old and continued studying opera singing during secondary school winning many regional competitions. She eventually got accepted to study at the Conservatorium of Music at Auckland University. Personal circumstances meant a change of direction and Te Rita found her self studying at Waikato University singing and recording with Dr. Hirini Melbourne. Both she and Hirini were members of Puatatangi, the Toi Māori National Music Committee during the 90s and into the early 2000s.  

Performed on the Regional stage for the Tainui Waka Cultural Trust’s competitions and the National Competitive stage from 1972 til 1994. During that time she also judged regionally right across Aotearoa. Te Rita led, tutored and composed for her kapahaka,, Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato, for nearly twenty six years. She was the first winner of the Katātaki Wahine’s prize in 1979 and won it again in 1981.  

Te Rita became a National judge in 2002 and held that post til 2013 when she retired due to ill health.. Te Rita has also been a radio and television announcer and commentator on haka and associated art forms such as Karanga and Tā Moko. Te Rita edited the book ‘Rhythmn and Life of Poi” by Ngāmoni Huata. Te Rita, herself, has published extensively on topics related to haka and waiata. Her childen and grandchildren have performed for a number of different teams throughout Aotearoa and in 2023 her daughter, Te Wairere Ngaia, performed for Te Mātārae i o Rehu, and grandchildren  performed for Waihirere and Te Hekengarangi. Her daughter, Haani Huata, again sat as judge in 2023. Te Rita is matriarch for her hapū haka team, Te Haona Kaha. She joined the Hakarongmai team (Haka translate) for Te Matatini in 2017 at Te Kahu o te Amorangi and still performs that role. She tells us her story.