Meet our Judges 2026
Kulia, Maité(Ra’i) Tehuritaua-ASHFORD born and raised in Mo’orea, Tahiti sister Island.
I started dancing at a very young age learning with my cousins around 2-3 years old, as it was a tradition in our family. If you were a girl you danced and Paddled Va’a if you were a boy.
For my grand parents all their grand kids had to learn their culture and language, as Tahitian is the only language they spoke. On all of their birthdays all of the children were expected to dance and perform.
I have participated in many Heiva I Mo’orea, with my cousins and family during my childhood years. Being from Moorea we dont have as many opportunities to dance like the main island of Tahiti I was so thankful to have the opportunity to participate at the Hura Tapairu with Horo’a Mai Led by Haumata Atiu
in 2013 it was my first time performing out of my island. Two years later in 2015 i went back on stage with the group Tumanava directed by Perle Renvoyé.
2017 was the year I participated in The Heiva i Tahiti with The group Heihere Mo’orea under the guidance of Kumu Heifara and Herenui where we won second place in Hura ava tau behind Nuna’a e hau led by uncle Hirohiti Tematahotoa. It was one of the best experiences of my life.
My husband and I have two beautiful daughters and we are so thankful to be raising them here on this special island of Kauai. Being here reminds me so much of my Island, good Mana, nice people, beautiful landscape all surrounded by nature, Kauai is my second home.
Forever grateful.
TEMATAHOTOA TUREREURA MATAOA
A Lifetime Dedicated to the Preservation of Polynesian Heritage
Some people choose a profession. Others dedicate their lives to a mission.
For more than forty years, Tematahotoa Turereura Mataoa has devoted her passion, talent, and commitment to preserving, sharing, and promoting the cultural heritage of French Polynesia.
Her artistic journey began in 1981, when she joined the prestigious Grands Ballets de Tahiti, under the direction of Terii Gilles Hollande. This experience led her to perform on numerous international tours, proudly representing Tahiti and her islands on some of the world’s most prestigious stages.
In 1987, her outstanding talent was recognized when she was awarded the title of Best Dancer of Heiva i Tahiti, one of the highest honors in traditional Tahitian dance.
Dedicated to preserving and passing on Polynesian traditions, she became a ’Ori Tahiti instructor, served as Assistant Pupu ’Ori with Te Tiare no Beachcomber, worked as a stage assistant at the Hyatt Sapan for Polynesian dance productions, and later became President of Pupu ’Ori Orihere, where she continued mentoring and inspiring future generations of dancers.
A passionate artisan, she is recognized for her expertise in designing traditional and plant-based costumes, jewelry, ceremonial adornments, headdresses, and cultural accessories inspired by Mā’ohi traditions. She is also the designer of the official sashes and ceremonial headdresses for Miss Tahiti and her runners-up, creations that celebrate Polynesian elegance and identity.
For more than twenty-one years, she has managed the Fare des Artisans at the Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort, an important showcase for authentic Polynesian craftsmanship. Through this role, she has supported generations of artisans, promoted their work, and contributed to the development of the local cultural economy.
More than twenty-three years ago, she also participated in the Heiva i Kauaʻi with Pupu ’Ori Orihere, alongside Manea Tepairu and Joe, helping strengthen the cultural ties between Tahiti and Hawaiʻi through traditional dance and cultural exchange.
For the past five consecutive years, she has been invited to serve as an official judge at Heiva i Kauaʻi, where she evaluates traditional Polynesian dance competitions and contributes her knowledge, experience, and commitment to preserving the authenticity and excellence of Polynesian performing arts.
Her commitment also extends to public service. For twelve years, she served as Deputy Mayor in charge of Arts, Crafts, and Culture, working to preserve cultural heritage, support artists and artisans, and promote Polynesian traditions within her community.
Believing that artisans deserve strong representation and support, she became President of the Raiamanu Federation and later President of the Te Ra’iānuanua Collective, bringing together artisans and entrepreneurs with a shared vision of promoting Polynesian creativity, protecting traditional craftsmanship, and passing these skills on to future generations.
Her work reaches far beyond French Polynesia. She has organized and supported international cultural events, accompanied delegations of artisans and performers abroad, contributed to the development of the Pacific Tatau Festival, and designed trophies recognizing excellence at international cultural events.
Her dedication extends beyond the arts.
Passionate about Polynesian family history and heritage preservation, she pursued university studies in genealogy, land succession, and family history. In 2023, she earned her diploma from the University of French Polynesia, expanding her expertise in genealogy, family lineage, land inheritance, and the preservation of Polynesian historical heritage.
Throughout every stage of her career, one belief has guided her:
Culture is not only something we create—it is something we preserve, protect, and pass on.
As a dancer, teacher, artisan, designer, cultural manager, elected official, event organizer, association president, genealogist, and cultural ambassador, she has dedicated her life to serving French Polynesia with passion, integrity, and generosity.
This biography tells the story of a woman who chose to dedicate her life to serving others. It reflects a lifelong commitment to preserving traditional knowledge, protecting Polynesian heritage, and sharing the beauty and richness of Tahiti and her islands with the world.
Through these pages, readers will discover not only the remarkable journey of one woman but also an important chapter in the contemporary history of Polynesian culture, seen through the eyes of someone who has lived it, shaped it, and continues to pass it on.
Mauruuru.
Tematahotoa Turereura Mataoa
Wallis Punua is a Professional Polynesian Entertainer since the 1960’s to today.
Competed in first Kauai Tahiti Fete in 1976 as lead drummer for his mother Kumu Hula Ku’ulei Punua.
Ra’atira with his wife for Pupu Rohotu since 1992. Won many first place awards including twice Overwll in Kauai Tahiti Fete from 1992-1997. Kumu Hula of Halau Na Punua O Kaua’i since 1993. Producer of Polynesian Shows on Kaua’i since 1996 to present. Currently judge at Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in Hilo, Hawai’i.
Camelia Temanaha was born and raised in Tahiti and began dancing Ori Tahiti at a very young age, Aunty Camelia has choreographed songs and dances in Polynesia, Japan and the
U.S Mainland. Passionate about her Tahitian heritage, and culture,
Aunty Camelia believes that tradition tells a colorful story about life, love, and their enduring relationship with nature.