It was a celebration of cultural heritage that gathered people from across the motu on November 21 to 22 at the Kerepēhi Marae grounds.
People and whānau turned out in droves for the 52nd Hauraki Cultural Kapa Haka Festival, which showcased performances from tamariki (children), rangatahi (teenagers), pakeke (adults) and esteemed kuia and kaumātua (elders). The sound of waiata and haka filled the air while people wandered the stalls, mingled with friends and whānau and celebrated the performances. The Toa Whakaihuwaka (overall winner) on day one for the Hauraki Junior and Open Junior sections was Te Iti o Kakaipo of Paeroa Central School, and the Toa Whakaihuwaka on day two was Te Wharekura o Manaia. Reporter DAVIDDA HIKATANGATA captured some of the powerful performances.
