A rousing haka by Muriwhenua kapa haka. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Thousands of people have been enjoying three days of kapa haka, kai and connecting at one of Northland's biggest cultural events.
The biennial Te Āhuareka o Ngāti Hine Festival, held at Ōtiria Marae, near Moerewa, is described as "a celebration of all things Ngāti Hine".
The 2025 programme includes music, children's activities, dozens of kai stalls pumping out favourites such as chowder, hāngī and chop suey, a debate in Ngāti Hine's distinctive dialect, genealogy workshops, panel discussions, touch rugby, and even a golf tournament.
However, the big drawcard is the chance to see Northland's top kapa haka groups, some of which have just competed at Te Matatini, described as the Olympics of kapa haka.
By the time the festival wraps up on Sunday it's expected more than 5000 people will have been through the marae gates.
Waerenga Te Kaha from Moerewa opens Saturday’s packed kapa haka programme. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Performers from Ngātiwai Kaumātua Kapa Haka prove age is no barrier to putting on a good show. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Ngāti Hine merchandise is always popular at the festival. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Christine Koni, of Moerewa catering business Kia Haanga, prepares the chop suey. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Twelve-year-old Viani Stokes, left, performs with Ōtiria Marae Kapa Haka. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Varron Armstrong steals the show with Ōtiria Marae Kapa Haka. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Te Puawai Walters performs with Ōtiria Marae Kapa Haka. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
A young festival-goer has glitter applied to her stencilled moko kauae. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Moko kauae, with glitter, were a hit with the kids. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Performers from Waiōmio Marae hold kawe mate in memory of the deceased. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Performers from Muriwhenua kapa haka, fresh from Te Matatini. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Performers from Muriwhenua kapa haka show why they made an impression at Te Matatini. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Muriwhenua’s set was sprinkled with humour as well as passion. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Performers from Muriwhenua kapa haka show their skill with the poi. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
A rousing haka by Muriwhenua kapa haka. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Muriwhenua in full haka mode. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Kiritopa Henare, pou whakahaere (leader) and founder of Muriwhenua kapa haka. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Dena-Maree Hemara (Te Mahurehure) performs with Muriwhenua kapa haka. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Festival-goers enjoy the kai and the vibes. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Hātea kapa haka from Pehiāweri Marae, near Whangārei. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Hātea kapa haka performers prove their skill with the poi. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
A stirring haka by Hātea, from Whangārei’s Pehiāweri Marae. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Barney Cooper peforms a haka with Hātea kapa haka. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Tamela Dunn performs with Hātea kapa haka. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Four-year-old Te Marino Pickering awaits her turn on stage. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Ōtiria Marae’s grounds are packed with people enjoying the kapa haka. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Isaiah Apiata of Ngāti Kawa, Ngāti Rahiri, Te Matarahurahu kapa haka, based at Te Tii Marae in Waitangi. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Four-year-old Te Marino Pickering keeps up with the moves during a performance by Ngāti Kawa, Ngāti Rahiri, Te Matarahurahu kapa haka. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Muritere Apiata performs with Ngāti Kawa, Ngāti Rahiri, Te Matarahurahu kapa haka, based at Te Tii Marae in Waitangi. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Hūhana Lyndon, Skye Kimura and Sara Reihana-Tara grab a photographic memento. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Whangarei’s Te Puu Ao perform at Te Āhuareka, fresh from Te Matatini. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
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