Ngā mihi, Te Mana Kuratahi!

The national primary school kapa haka competition, Te Mana Kuratahi, wrapped up last week in Whakatū Nelson.

Held at Trafalgar Centre, forty-five primary school kapa haka groups from across Aotearoa New Zealand took to the stage over four days. 

Tamariki / children dazzled the crowd of 3,000 attendees with electrifying, captivating performances featuring intricate choreography and mesmerising storytelling.  

Te Kapa Puāwai from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae were crowned champions of the competition.
It was Nelson’s first time hosting the primary school kapa haka event, and it was fantastic to see so many people enjoying our city. 

In 2024, Nelson will host the secondary schools competition, and in 2027, the national adult kapa haka festival, Te Matatini, comes to the region.

Ngā mihi / thank you to all the performers, attendees, and volunteers who helped make this event such a success.