Festivals merge and grow

A prestigious event showcasing Maori kapa haka performances is being transformed this year.

The Kaipara Festival, which has been going for 16 years, will be incorporated into the inaugural Ngati Whatua Festival because of growing vision and popularity.

Funding to help cover costs is provided by a number of organisations pleased to support the event.

Mauri Ora ki Kaipara of Ngati Whatua is organising the November 21 and 22 festival at North Harbour Stadium with input from iwi groups and marae.

Visitors will not forget the large-scale powhiri on Saturday from 9am with a taki (challenge), a haka powhiri and waiata supporting kaumatua with their whaikorero (speeches).

This is followed by kapa haka performances from about 20 community and school groups. There will also be craft, health and education stalls.

One of the highlights is the Ngati Whatua tribal ball acknowledging kaumatua for their outstanding contribution to the tribe and special tributes for standout achievers.

Sunday's sports features the inter-tribal touch rugby competition at 9.30am and the tribal rugby league challenge with Orakei and South Kaipara v Northern Wairoa at noon and Ngati Whatua v Ngapuhi at 3pm. An entertainment programme will also be available.

"This will be the first festival of its kind for Ngati Whatua," says Mauri Ora chairman Richard Nahi.

He says it will be built on whanaungatanga or relationship/kinship and kotahitanga or unity.

Mr Nahi says the main aim has always been to promote Maori kaupapa, waiata and haka.

This year's festival will also strengthen the tribe's connections.

"We want to be able to build Ngati Whatua strength. Everyone is looking forward to it," says Mr Nahi and his organising committee.

"These activities provide opportunities for younger ones to pick it up from behind to support. This should sprinkle down into marae and the five takiwa (districts) of Ngati Whatua and hopefully will encourage more engagement with each other."

Entry into the festival is a can of food per person or a gold coin. Canned food donated will be given to a foodbank and distributed to families before the Christmas holidays.

Go to www.ngatiwhatuafestival.co.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News