Tainui Waka Kapa Haka Festival 2020 announces the regional competition will resume on Saturday, 29th August. After much deliberation, with the impact of Covid-19 and with the direction given by the kapa haka, Tainui Waka Cultural Trust delayed the regionals, that were scheduled to take place in April, to ensure participant and audience safety and now confirms it will take place this year.

“Our groups, with the support of the Tainui Waka Cultural Trust made a decision to continue with our regionals, and I’m proud of them for making that choice” says Chair, Paraone Gloyne.

The kapa haka festival held at Claudelands Arena pulls a crowd of over 5000 people and is Waikato’s largest presentation of senior kapa haka which has hundreds of performers (both experienced and new) vying for their place on the national stage at Te Matatini Festival in 2021.

Chair, “My heart goes out to all kapa haka that have had to navigate all kinds of dynamics over the past few months. Their resilience will be celebrated on stage in an event that will bring us all together for some much needed, positive, wairua-uplifting kapa haka!’’

With the new announcement, performance groups can continue their thorough preparations for their brackets on stage. Supporters and haka enthusiasts are encouraged to book their tickets early from 12pm Thursday 24th June through Ticketek.

“Over the years, kapa haka audiences have flourished and we expect to see that trend grow with our 2020 festival. Alongside haka, whānau can enjoy a new toi Māori exhibition, stalls selling Māori made products and services and delicious kai from local Māori vendors - a day for all whānau to enjoy where Māori pride stands front and centre,” says Festival Director, Waimihi Hotere.

For further information contact:

Festival Director: Waimihi Hotere

Email: waimihi@twowisekumara.co.nz

Phone: 0274278929