The home of the Tainui waka anchor stone will showcase the diversity and vibrancy of Maniapoto hapu at the largest Te Nehenehenui Tribal Festival since the event began in 2014.
Tainui Wētere Domain in Mōkau will host the second event since the pandemic enforced break on September 12 and 13.
“Everybody is really excited,” said festival secretary Hariru Roa. “It’s wonderful to be able to hold an event at this end of our territory.”
The festival has attracted an average of nine haka teams from schools, marae and hapu across Te Nehenehenui, but this year the event has attracted 17.
Te Nehenehenui Tribal Festival secretary Hariru Roa.
New teams joining the line-up are Te Kura o Ōtorohanga, Te Tuhinga from Mōkau led by Sean and Moana Hamana, Pūāwhe led by Arana and Meti Hughes, Te Whare Haka o Rereahu led by Layelin and Stella Stewart, and Ngārauwharawhara o Te Korapatū from Hangatiki led by Ashleigh Papa.
Oparure Marae group Ngā Tapuwae o Kinohaku will return for its third appearance, highlighting an ongoing commitment to the event and its purpose.
The festival consists of three main sections—Karanga Tamariki (Junior), Karanga Rangatahi (Intermediate), and Karanga Pakeke (Open Senior).
Kapa (teams) compete in four disciplines: Karanga (ceremonial call), Whaikōrero (oratory), Haka Pōwhiri (ceremonial welcome chant), and Waiata Tawhito (traditional chant). This approach contributes to the growth of tribal practitioners and leaders for the future.
Roa said the event was an expression of collective spirit, with participants attending from across the region.
“The festival is recognised as a chance to strengthen kapahaka, uphold tikanga, and build identity and leadership at the heart of the tribal community”, Roa said.
The theme of this year’s event focuses on the protection and preservation of customary practises along the Mōkau coastline. In conjunction with kapahaka performances, spectators and supporters can expect to enjoy traditional and modern cuisine from local stalls, sharing in the cultural identity of Mōkau and wider Te Nehenehenui.
“Through the art of karanga, whaikōrero, haka pōwhiri, and waiata tawhito, participants honour their tūpuna (ancestors) and inadvertently assume the role of protecting the practises of the iwi for future generations,” Roa said.
Roa said the event was not only for Māori, but also their friends and neighbours from across the territory.
A record number of teams have entered this year’s Te Nehenehenui Tribal Festival.
