Strengthening culture, connection and identity through Kapa Haka.

TE RŪNANGA O NGĀTI WHĀTUA MEDIA RELEASE

Strengthening culture, connection and identity through Kapa Haka. 

Ngāti Whātua culture will not simply be remembered—it will be lived, shared and carried forward when uri gather for Te Ahurei o Ngāti Whātua 2026.

More than 1,000 performers, whānau and supporters are expected at Selwyn Park in Dargaville on Sunday 25 October for Te Ahurei o Ngāti Whātua.

Presented by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua and hosted by Te Wairoa Kapa Haka, the free event will feature 12 rōpū from across the Ngāti Whātua rohe.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua Chair Tyrone Raumati says Te Ahurei represents much more than a kapa haka performance.

“It is an expression of our collective identity and a deliberate reaffirmation of the cultural bonds that bind us as Ngāti Whātua.

“In coming together, we are not simply participating in an event; we are actively sustaining the relationships, knowledge, language and cultural practices through which our identity is carried from one generation to the next.

“There is profound significance in gathering as an iwi. Our strength has never rested solely in our individual capabilities, but in our ability to recognise our interconnectedness as whānau, as hapū and as an iwi.

“Te Ahurei o Ngāti Whātua creates the space for that interconnectedness to be felt, expressed and strengthened. Through kapa haka, waiata, kōrero and whanaungatanga, we are reminded that culture is not something that exists around us; it is something we collectively create, practice and pass on.”

Host rōpū representative Anaru Kaipo says the success of Te Ahurei will be seen in the people who find the courage to participate.

“For Te Wairoa, success is seeing tamariki, rangatahi, pakeke and kaumātua standing together, including whānau performing kapa haka for the first time.

“It is about people leaving with stronger relationships, greater confidence and a deeper sense of belonging. The skills and knowledge gained through kapa haka return with us to our marae, hui, kāinga and whānau.”

Alongside the performances, visitors can enjoy kai from around thirty food vendors, craft stalls and a range of health and community information services.

The Electoral Commission will also be available to help people enrol or update their details. The event falls on the final day to enrol for the 2026 General Election.

Te Ahurei o Ngāti Whātua will run from 8.15am to 4.30pm at Selwyn Park, Dargaville. Entry is free, and everyone is welcome.