Thousands of people gathered at the Edgecumbe Domain over Labour Weekend for the Ngāti Awa Te Toki Kapa Haka Festival, with fine weather, food trucks, giveaways and powerful performances helping make it a successful celebration of Māori culture.

In the Pākeke (adult) Whakataetae (competitive), Ngāti Hāmua and Te Pahipoto shared first place, with Ngā Maihi placing third.

In the Tamariki Whakataetae, Ngā Maihi took first place, followed by Te Pahipoto in second. Third place went to the combined team of Ngāti Hikakino, Te Rangihouhiri II and Te Tāwera.

A highlight was the first attendance at the festival of Te Arikinui Kuīni Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō, the Māori Queen, and Te Rangimāheu Te Heuheu Tūkino IX, paramount chief of Ngāti Tūwharetoa.

Both attended the pōwhiri at Te Mānuka Tūtahi Marae on Friday, marking a significant moment for the festival as it welcomed the two rangatira.

The three-day festival began with a pōwhiri and debating competitions on Friday, followed by two days of kapa haka, with 36 teams taking to the stage on Saturday and Sunday to showcase their talent, whakapapa and cultural identity.

The festival included both competitive and non-competitive sections, with performers of all ages taking the stage to share their culture through kapa haka.

Te Ahi Kaa committee chairman Monehu Thompson thanked the funders, supporters, event contributors, Ngāti Awa iwi, hapū, whānau and committee members whose contributions helped make the festival possible.

In a mihi on behalf of Te Ahi Kaa and Ngāti Awa Te Toki, Thompson said:

“E mihi ana Te Ahi Kaa mō Ngāti Awa Te Toki ki ā mātou Kaituku Pūtea, Kaitautoko, Kaihanga Mahi, Ngāti Awa Iwi, ngā Hapū, ngā Whānau me Te Ahi Kaa Komiti mō tō koutou tautoko nui i tēnei kaupapa.

“Nā tō koutou mātauranga, manaaki, tautoko me te whakapau kaha i tutuki pai ai tēnei kaupapa. E kore rawa e mutu ngā mihi ki a koutou katoa i whai wāhi mai ki te whakatinana i ngā wawata o te kaupapa.

“Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.

“Ngā mihi maioha ki a koutou katoa.”

In English, the mihi acknowledges the funders, supporters, contributors, Ngāti Awa iwi, hapū, whānau and committee members for their tremendous support.

“Through your knowledge, care, support and hard work, this kaupapa was successfully brought to completion.

“Our thanks will never cease to all of you who played a part in bringing the aspirations of this kaupapa to life.

“With our combined efforts, the iwi will thrive.

“Our heartfelt thanks to you all.”