Celebrate Matariki with a powerful series of live kapa haka performances at Britomart. Across several days in June and early July, four exceptional groups—including Te Wharekura o Hoani Waititi, Te Wehi Haka, Te Roopū Manutaki, and Tuwhitia Kia Angitu—will take the stage in Takutai Square.
Each group brings its own unique style, heritage, and energy to the celebration, offering a vibrant showcase of Māori performing arts. Performances are free and open to all—perfect for experiencing the spirit of Matariki with friends and whānau.
Te Wharekura o Hoani Waititi
29 & 30 JUN | 12.15pm - 12.35pm & 1.15pm - 1.35pm
Situated within the Hoani Waititi marae complex, the wharekura has a long kapa haka history. They have enjoyed much success through the years at both local and national levels in secondary school competitions. Past students from the wharekura have connected with some of the well-known senior groups in Tāmaki Makaurau who have represented the region at Te Matatini. These groups include Te Roopū Manutaki, Ngā Tūmanako, Te Waka Huia, Te Manu Huia and Te Rautahi.
Te Wehi Haka
1 & 2 JUL | 12.15pm - 12.35pm & 1.15pm - 1.35pm
Te Wehi Haka is the fresh new look Māori performing arts troupe directed and managed by successful kapa haka leaders, Tāpeta and Annette Wehi. Tapeta and Annette are the leaders of Te Waka Huia, one of New Zealand's most recognised and premier kapa haka teams. They have led teams internationally on many occasions and showcased Maori culture to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The vision of Te Wehi Haka is to take haka to the world.
Te Roopū Manutaki
3 JUL | 12.15pm - 12.35pm & 1.15pm - 1.35pm
Hoani Waititi Marae was the birthplace of Te Roopū Manutaki, a haka group that was formed by Dr Pita Sharples in 1968 as the founding tutor and leader. Te Roopū Manutaki are now in their fourth generation of performers, where the world and the language has changed. In January this year they were successful with their performance at the regional kapa haka competitions, gaining the privilege to represent Tāmaki Makaurau at the upcoming Te Matatini Herenga Waka Herenga Tangata National Kapa Haka Festival in Auckland.
Tuwhitia Kia Angitu
4 JUL | 12.15pm - 12.35pm & 1.15pm - 1.35pm
Founded on a guiding statement by the late Ahorangi Wharehuia Milroy ‘Tuwhitia te hopo, mairangatia te angitu’ ‘Banish all fears and ascend to success’, Tuwhitia Kia Angitu was created to realise the highest potential of its members through the practice of Māori performing arts and culture. Shaped by the traditional knowledge provided by their kaumātua / elders and through Kōhanga Reo, Kura Kaupapa Māori and Wharekura, Tuwhitia Kia Angitu are committed to their shared cultural values and seek to elevate their community and provide the opportunities to share and expand their experiences through education, international travel as ambassadors for Aotearoa New Zealand and hosting international guests. With a primary focus on performing competitively at local and national senior kapa haka competitions, Tuwhitia Kia Angitu placed third at Tāmaki Makaurau kapa haka regionals and are proud to represent the region at the next national Te Matatini kapa haka competitions.
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