Traditional and contemporary Māori culture on Auckland Anniversary Weekend

Tūī, tūī, tuituia tātou o Tāmaki - Join us so we of Tāmaki can rejoice and unite.

Traditional Māori storytelling, crafts, games and healing will be on offer beside contemporary Māori music, art and kai at the inaugural Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival, which shines the spotlight on the unique Māori history, heritage and contemporary culture of Tāmaki Makaurau.

The free, family-friendly festival takes place at The Cloud, Queens Wharf, on Auckland Anniversary Weekend from Saturday, 30 January – Monday, 1 February.

Free workshops will take place throughout the day, where people can learn about and have a go at raranga (weaving), Te Reo Māori (Māori language), poi and rākau (stick) games, pōtaka (spinning tops), and see traditional whakawai (weaponry) demonstrations.

An extensive musical programme includes performances by established Māori musicians such as Rob Ruha, Tama Waipara, Seth Haapu, Sammy J, Majic Paora, the Modern Māori Quartet, Leon Wharekura, Maisey Rika, and Whirimako Black. There will also be DJ sets, kapa haka, and performances by emerging Māori musicians.

There is a story-telling zone, featuring traditional and contemporary stories about Tāmaki Makaurau, as well as a ‘Koro Lounge’, where older visitors can chill out and have a complimentary cup of tea or coffee.

Traditional healers Atarangi Muru and Donna Kerridge will be holding workshops and one-on-one sessions, about traditional healing, its place in modern life and the healing properties of native plants.

Auckland carving collective Whaotapu will be carving on site throughout the weekend, while on Saturday, graf artists Bobby Hung and Kairau Bradley will paint two art towers, and on Monday, Charles and Janine Williams are running waka art workshops.

This celebration of the Māori heritage and culture of Tāmaki Makaurau is being produced by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) in close collaboration with Tāmaki Makaurau mana whenua.

ATEED General Manager Destination Vivien Sutherland Bridgwater says Tāmaki Makaurau has a rich Māori identity and the festival is a chance for Aucklanders and visitors to learn more about Māori heritage and contemporary culture of Tāmaki Makaurau.

“The festival programme not only gives Aucklanders and visitors the chance to get up close and see leading Māori artists and practitioners in action, it also gives people the chance to have a go at traditional crafts and games, paddle a waka, or learn some Te Reo.”

Festival Mana Whenua Steering Group chair Hauauru Rawiri says the inaugural festival is a foundation for the future development of the evolving festival, cultural exchange and Māori aspirations for Tāmaki Makaurau.

“The kaupapa of this event is one of mahi ngātahi, a collaborative approach between mana whenua and ATEED. Tāmaki Herenga Waka is one of the names for Auckland and the festival is a chance for us all to bring Aucklanders and all New Zealanders in to the Tāmaki Makaurau Māori world. This is an opportunity to share what it means for convergence of our people and culture. It's a pathway to forge relationships, and build cultural awareness and understanding,” says Hauauru Rawiri.

Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival is one of a host of exciting events happening on Auckland’s waterfront and harbour over Auckland Anniversary Weekend, including the ASB Auckland Seafood Festival; Ports of Auckland SeePort open weekend; St Jerome’s Laneway Festival; Silo Cinema and Silo Sessions; Auckland International Buskers Festival; Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta; HMNZS Wellington Open Day and Sunset Navy Concert; and the At The Beach - 100 Years of Summer Fashion exhibition, family activities and heritage vessels sailings in and around the NZ Maritime Museum.

What: Inaugural Tamaki Herenga Waka Festival
Where: Queens Wharf and on water
When: Saturday 30 January - Monday 1 February 2016
Cost: Free entry

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