Strong Voices

Nothing could stop our mighty kapa haka performers, who took over stages around the country at IDEA Services regional festivals.

For Te Atakura Ryan, Kaitakawaenga from IHC’s Māori advisory group Te Anga Pāua, these festivals were more than events – they were a movement. “Kapa haka is flourishing,” she says. “It’s a taonga that connects people to their whakapapa and to each other. Everyone worked so hard and seeing them shine on stage is just incredible.”

Despite a week of wild winds that hit Southland at the end of October, Ngā Tāngata Manawa o te Tai-Tonga the southern region kapa haka festival went ahead. The first in the series of four IDEA Services regional kapa haka festivals Ngā Tāngata Manawa o te Tai-Tonga brought together rōpū from all over Te Wai Pounamu. Spirits were high and performers from Blenheim, Nelson, Canterbury, North Otago and Southland itself lit up the stage – showcasing the results of months of hard work.

Next stop: Northland as Te Hoenga Waka the Northern region kapa haka festival transformed the Orewa Events Centre. The sun came out, food trucks rolled in, and the community turned up in force. One News popped by to capture the magic for a national audience. It was a day of laughter, waiata, and whānau cheering on every performer.

Then came the Mid Central region’s turn with Te Wakatini at the breathtaking setting of Lake Karapiro. Against a backdrop of sparkling water, rōpū from Gisborne, Rotorua, Hawke’s Bay and Waikato along with a big crowd of well-wishers packed out the big venue. MC Krissy (who’d also held things together down south) kept the vibe electric – sparkling and singing and getting everyone on their feet to dance between sets.

The regional kapa haka festivals wrapped up in Wairarapa with Te Ngākautaki o ngā Kahui-maunga at the Carterton Events Centre on 20 November. Rōpū from Whanganui, Taranaki, Manawatū, Horowhenua, and Wairarapa proudly took their turn on the stage, joined by special guests Te Iti Kahurangi from Kuranui College. After their own stunning performance, the college kids stayed to tautoko every group – a true display of manaakitanga.

Four regions. Four unforgettable festivals. Countless moments of pride, connection, and aroha. Standby for Nationals in Waikato in 2026. Tihei Mauriora!

To view photos and videos visit: www.idea.org.nz/festivals-25

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Caption: Ngā Taonga Atawhai (Northland) performing at Te Hoenga Waka.