Language, land, and people focus of Tai Tokerau Festival

 

Harmonious songs, impassioned cries and the stamping of feet resounded through the Maungaturoto hills and valleys in early April, as the 41st Tai Tokerau Festival kicked off.

Otamatea College was this year’s host for the cultural event, the school’s grounds and fields accommodating Kapa haka groups, teachers, parents and supporters from 28 Northland secondary schools.

The festival has been non-competitive since it started, with the focus this year on guardianship of the language, the land, and the people.

Energy and passion combined with harmony and grace in song, dance and haka, made for an exciting, emotional experience and revealing the performers’ warrior spirit and aroha for their culture.

View all pics on PDF version pg 14

1 Colourful and harmonious performance of Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Pukemiro.

2 Tikipunga High School female students portray grace and beauty.

5 Kaitaia College’s strong performance with traditional weaponry, the mere…

6 … and taiaha [fighting staff].

7 Whangaroa College students dance in unison

8 Poised with poi’s, the girls of Whangarei High demonstrate skill and style.

9 Whangarei High boy’s energetic war dance.

10 After each performance, the performing group’s peers reply with a Kura – a haka of support and acknowledgement.

11 Keri Keri High School’s fierce display.

12 Taipa Area School girls express their spirit through pukana [facial expressions].

13 A show of strength and passion in the Taipa boy’s haka.

​- WORDS/PHOTOS/Julia Wade