𝐇𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐤𝐢 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐮𝐚𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫.
The long-awaited Hauraki Cultural Festival is set to make a grand return after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 2020-2021, followed by two years as a whakangahau (celebration) 2022-2023. This year, the 51st edition of the festival promises to be bigger than ever, transforming back into a full-scale competition with an impressive lineup of talent and activities. Hosted by Mātai Whētu Marae and held at Thames High School, the festival will take place over two dynamic days, featuring kapa haka groups from across Hauraki and Tainui Waka.

The event will take place on a single stage, allowing each group to showcase their unique interpretations of Māori song, dance, and storytelling. From tamariki (youth) to pakeke (adults), performers of all ages will bring their passion and pride to the competition, celebrating Hauraki.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Hauraki Cultural Festival back in its competitive form,” said Johnson Reha Watene. “After a challenging few years, this festival is a time for our communities to reconnect, showcase their skills, and celebrate Kotahitanga.”

𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐤𝐢 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒:
𝑻𝒘𝒐 𝑫𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔: kapa haka groups will compete on a single stage, making this one of the most anticipated cultural gatherings of the year in Hauraki.
𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭: Thanks to a partnership with Nga Reo Irirangi o Tainui Waka, the festival will be broadcast live, reaching audiences across Aotearoa and beyond, ensuring everyone can witness the magic of Hauraki’s cultural expressions.
𝐀 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚: The festival aims to strengthen the bonds within the community, bringing together iwi, hapū, and whānau to celebrate and support one another.
This year’s festival is expected to attract a significant audience, from locals to those tuning in from afar, all eager to experience the energy and passion of Hauraki performers. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure their seats and support each group as they perform.

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬:
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 15th & 16th November 2024
𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:Thames High School, hosted by Matai Whetu Marae
The Hauraki Cultural Festival continues to be a symbol of resilience, cultural pride, and community unity. Join us in celebrating as we reconnect through the power of kapa haka.

Full programme can be found on the 𝐇𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐤𝐢 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥’s facebook page.