29 Apr 2015

Extreme heat prompts rethink of Matatini staging

8:25 am on 29 April 2015

Searing heat at Te Matatini in March has prompted the competition's organisers to look at how to improve the stage.

Te Matatini

Photo: RNZ

Haka teams at the national event in Christchurch in March performed in both hot temperatures and rain over the course of the four day competition.

Te Matatini chief executive Darrin Apanui said organisers thought the north-south facing stage would be suitable.

However Christchurch was incredibly hot on the first day of competition; Mr Apanui said it would have been about 33 degrees outside and 43 degress on the the covered stage.

Mr Apanui said organisers would look at how to keep the stage dry on wet days and cool on hot days.

The national committee would also look at other operational matters such as a venue backstage for performers to warm up vocally.

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