Te Ao Māori

Haka group go viral for their 'stunning' performance at Maori King's last coronation event

"The best performance I've seen in person!"

An extremely talented kapa haka group has gone viral for their powerful performance during this year's Koroneihana (coronation celebrations) - the last honouring the late Maori Kingi Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII.

Angitu o Tamaki Makaurau are known for their incredible haka and their latest was no exception.

Instagram page @maoriworldwide reposted a clip of the moment from the event earlier this month, raking up 124k views.

And it's no surprise. The ropu perfected a mix of poi, mau rakau, haka and waiata in a beautiful display of passion.

"There's something so deeply spiritual which hits me in my heart when watching these amazing people," one commenter wrote.

Another called it: "A blessing to witness 😍."

"The best performance I've seen in person 😭😭😊🥰," wrote a third.

A fourth added: "Stunning. Everything 🤎🤎🤎."

TikToker Tamaira Hook shared another clip of the incredible performance, writing: "Angitu sliding in sideways with that 360 whakaeke 👏🏽👌🏽🌿."

The voices of every member of the ropu blended beautifully as they echoed through Turangawaewae Marae.

Koroneihana 2024 marked the final annual celebration attended by Kingi Tuheitia, who passed away last Friday at the age of 69.

The event also commemorated the 18th anniversary of his 2006 coronation.

Kingi Tuheitia died just a few days later due to complications from heart surgery.

Since his death, an outpour of heartfelt tributes has flowed in, including Te Pati Maori leader Rawiri Waiti who shared a photo alongside her message: "I love you and I will miss you King. Whoatu ra koe ki o matua tipuna ki te po".

His service will take place on Thursday, where he will be laid to rest at the sacred grounds of Taupiri Mountain in Waikato.