This year’s Tāmaki Hakangāhau includes 30-minute kapa haka meet-and-greet sessions - a first for the event - giving haka fans a chance to connect directly with performers backstage. Photo: Supplied / Te Matatini / Tāmaki Hakangāhau
Haka fans will come together this weekend to celebrate te ao Māori through haka, waiata and whanaungatanga at Tāmaki Hakangāhau - a non-competitive kapa haka event designed to bring audiences closer to the action.
The kaupapa will take place on Saturday at Auckland's Spark Arena, and feature 10 haka rōpū from the region - ranging from veteran performers to tamariki.
It also includes a Māori business hub, and a mass waiata singalong to close the night.
One of the event organisers, Moko Templeton, said it aimed to turn spectators into participants, with a focus on connection and community.
"This isn't just about watching haka," she said. "It's about feeling the whenua shake beneath you, letting tears flow as waiata fills your heart, and leaving with your wairua cup overflowing.
"Whether you're on stage, backstage or in the crowd, you're part of the whānau."
Tāmaki Hakangāhau is a non-competitive Kapa Haka event, showcasing rōpū from across the Auckand region. Photo: Supplied / Te Matatini / Tāmaki Hakangāhau
The kaupapa comes just in time for Matariki celebrations, which Templeton said was a time to reflect, reset and reconnect.
"Tāmaki Hakangāhau is our way of wrapping our arms around the entire community."
This year's event included 30-minute kapa haka meet-and-greet sessions - a first for the event - giving haka fans a chance to connect directly with performers backstage.
Jeff Ruha, kaiako (tutor) of Te Poho o Hinekahukura, said haka had the power to uplift peopel going through tough times.
"Every performer stands as medicine for whānau going through hardships," he said. "The world of haka is sustenance - it feeds souls and heals hearts."
Organisers say the event is about connection, healing and uplifting the community through haka and waiata. Photo: Supplied / Te Matatini / Tāmaki Hakangāhau
At the end of the event, more than 100 kaihaka will lead a mass performance of 'Waerea', the karakia made famous by Ngā Tūmanako at Te Matatini in 2019.
Attendees were encouraged to bring their poi and join in the singalong.
Alongside the performances, the arena will also host a kaupapa Māori market with kai, taonga, kākahu and fundraising stalls supporting local whānau, kura and Māori-led initiatives.
The event was supported by Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, Spark Arena, Te Matatini, and mana whenua Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
Tāmaki Hakangāhau takes place June 7 at Aucklands Spark Arena. Photo: Supplied / Tāmaki Hakangāhau
