Over 1,000 Celebrate Culture at Bay of Islands Kapa Haka Festival

More than 1,000 children gathered at Whitiora Marae in Te Tii, north of Kerikeri, on March 5, 2024, for the annual Te Hui Ahurei o Ngāti Rēhia kapa haka festival. This vibrant event, now in its fourth year, celebrates cultural heritage and community spirit among primary and intermediate students from the wider Ngāti Rēhia tribal area.

The festival, organised by Kerikeri Primary School, saw participation from eleven groups across seven schools. Each group showcased their talents through a variety of traditional performances, including waiata (songs), action songs, haka, and poi. Notably, over 260 children from Kerikeri Primary School alone took part, demonstrating the event’s significant local engagement.

Originally conceived as a means to reunite children after the isolation imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the festival has evolved into a major highlight of the cultural calendar in the Bay of Islands. The enthusiasm and pride displayed by the performers were matched by the presence of numerous family members, including parents, grandparents, uncles, and aunties, who came to support their children and celebrate their shared heritage.

Looking ahead, the festival will continue to thrive, with Oromahoe School set to organise next year’s event. This transition reflects the collaborative spirit of the community and the commitment to preserving and promoting cultural traditions among younger generations.

The success of the Te Hui Ahurei o Ngāti Rēhia festival underscores the importance of cultural events in fostering connection and belonging, offering a platform for children to express their identity and pride in their heritage.