Larni Hepi

More than 800 kaumātua and kuia descended on Te Whanganui a Tara over the weekend for the 20th annual Taikura Kapa Haka Festival, proving that passion for kapa haka only grows stronger with age.

For two decades, the rising of Matariki has signalled the gathering of older Māori from across Aotearoa, coming together to celebrate waiata, haka, poi and the friendships that have become just as important as the performances themselves.

Among the 17 groups taking the stage was Ngāti Awa Taikura, marking a decade since first performing at the festival.

Their bracket captivated a packed theatre, with audience members joining in with actions and waiata before rising to their feet in a standing ovation.

One of the standout moments was a medley celebrating the wider Mataatua region, weaving together iwi anthems inspired by local composers and acknowledging the rich musical legacy of the region.

Group coordinator and tutor Verbena Harawira said the performance was about honouring those who had shaped their identity through waiata.

“The inspiration was to acknowledge composers, both past and emerging, from Mataatua and the songs they have gifted to our people,” she said.

The medley took songs from Te Whanau-a-apanui, Tūhoe, Whakatōhea, Tauranga Moana and Ngāti Awa.

The group’s poi item also became one of the festival highlights, capturing the humour and warmth that Ngāti Awa is known for.

Eighty-three-year-old Sonia Rogers led the performance with infectious energy, drawing laughter, applause and ultimately a standing ovation from the audience.

Harawira said Taikura was about far more than just a performance.

“Taikura is so important because it gives us an opportunity to keep our waiata alive and creates a space where our pakeke can simply celebrate being themselves. The only rule is you have to be old,” she said with a smile.

Adding to the significance of the performance, several items featured original compositions written by members of Ngāti Awa Taikura themselves.

Harawira acknowledged the organisations whose continued support made the journey possible.

“We simply couldn’t do this without them.”

Support came from Ōmataroa No.10, Pūtauaki Trust, Māori Investments Limited, Toi Ohomai, Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa, Te Puna Ora o Mataatua and the longstanding backing of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.

With this year’s celebrations complete, attention has already turned to the next festival.

Planning for the 2027 bracket is already under way.

“See you in 2027,” she said.