Maungaturoto hosts Te Tai Tokerau Festival

Up to 10,000 people are expected to visit Maungaturoto this month for a massed display and celebration of kapa haka and Maori culture by students from 29 secondary schools, from Mahurangi College and Rodney College in the south to Taipa in the north.

The 41st annual Tai Tokerau Festival is being held at Otamatea High School on Wednesday April 13 and Thursday April 14, starting with an opening Powhiri at 9am on the Wednesday, followed by nonstop kapa haka performances and a range of other activities and attractions both days.

Celebrity presenters from Maori TV and radio, including Miss Kihi, will be acting as hosts and covering the event, which includes a special talent show on the Thursday afternoon.

 

There will also be an activities area where people can learn and play traditional Maori games, including fast-paced ball game Ki O Rahi, or try their hand at Mau Rakau, the ancient martial art of using of Maori weapons.

There will be a traditional in-ground hangi, mussel fritters and fried bread burgers, plus diverse stalls, a bouncy castle and plenty of prizes and give-aways.

One of the organisers, Victoria Kurupo, says the kapa haka groups performing are among the best in Northland displaying an amazing array of talent.

“Anyone and everyone is welcome – all ages, all ethnicities – and it’s free entry!” she says. “It’s a great way to be involved in the Maori culture upfront, but also there is something for everyone.

“We have gone all out this year to make it an awesome family event that caters for everyone.”

The hundreds of visiting students will be billeted out to local marae for the two-day festival, which Otamatea High School last hosted in 2006.

Info: Otamatea High School, 09 431 8230 ext 249 or email ttf@otamatea.school.nz, or go to Tetaitokeraufest2016 on Facebook