Kapa haka festival attracts 480 tamariki
Hundreds of primary school children will take part in the Ngāti Rēhia kapa haka festival on Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 August. The celebration of cultural identify, pride and Te Ao Māori is free and open to the public.
An estimated 480 tamariki making up 12 kapa haka groups will perform at Te Hui Ahurei o Ngāti Rēhia Kapa Haka at Whitiora Marae at Te Tii next week. The kapa haka festival runs from Wednesday 30 to Thursday 31 August bringing together schools from the Ngāti Rēhia hapū to celebrate cultural identity, pride, unity and respect for Te Ao Māori.
For each kapa haka rōpū (group), of about 40 members, performing takes great commitment, concentration and motivation. Some participants spend up to six months perfecting their waiata, poi, and kapa haka skills.
The Ngāti Rēhia hapū actively connects with local primary schools to create the annual Te Riu o Ngāti Rēhia event to teach and encourage the art of kapa haka. The festival aims to foster a strong sense of community and self in tamariki who learn to self-regulate their behaviour with humility and compassion.
‘Hui Ahurei’ translates to ‘cultural assembly’ and reflects the importance of events like this for preserving and promoting Māori traditions and heritage in the cultural landscape of Aotearoa.
The Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board granted $5,000 to Ngāti Rēhia to assist with running costs such as marquee hire and stage equipment.
Entry to this celebration of Māori culture, community and whanaungatanga (kinship) is free and open to the public.
Photo - Whiriora Marae (Photo credit Rawhitiroa photography).