On Thursday 19 September, Te Whanganui-ā-Tara saw its very first Mahuru Festival take shape thanks to the Welllington Māori Cultural Society.
The Mahuru Festival was established to allow schools throughout the Wellington region to showcase their love for Kapa Haka.
The festival attracted 16 primary and intermediate kapa to take part travelling from as far as Ōtaki to be a part of the much-awaited event.
It has been a long time since such a festival has been available to local schools and the Wellington Māori Cultural Society is dedicated to making the Mahuru Festival an annual event.
For the 2025 Mahuru Festival, the intent is to incorporate spaces for all ages, including kohanga and kaumatua, to come and share their love for kapa haka.
The Wellington Māori Cultural Society is committed to helping kapa haka grow, and providing events like the Mahuru Festival allows performers to develop themselves as confident performers. It also allows tutors to grow their craft in tutoring and leadership.
Photo: Dekin Levy and Azzy Aston-Baran from Te Kapa Teina o Hato Perenara performing their Whakaeke. Photo courtesy of Alo Faamoe.