Major milestone for regional kapa haka festival
A 50-year milestone is being celebrated this week at Te Tai Tokerau Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Festival 2025 on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 April in Ōpononi.
The annual festival hits the landmark anniversary this year as secondary school students from around the region gather for the 50th time to put in the mahi representing their school, their culture and their genealogy with a celebration of kapa haka.
Held at Te Kura Takiwā o Ōpononi, Ōpononi Area School, the school’s Board of Trustees is inviting people from across the region to come and join the celebrations that will honour the cultural diversity, endurance and resilience of local communities, as well as communities across Northland.
The council’s Te Hono - Māori Development and Māori Relationship’s Team will be there to keep people up to date about the latest council consultations and to discuss the council’s whenua Māori policy with those interested in preserving and managing Māori-owned land.
The school is also celebrating its own 50th Jubilee this Friday (11 April) with a Gala Day of activities, concerts and performances from 10am to 4pm. A Jubilee Dinner will follow at 6pm. All are welcome.
Funding for the events was granted by Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board ($10,000), Te Hiku Community Board ($7300), Bay of Islands Community Board ($7500) and Creative Communities ($5000).
You can get more details about the festival here and the school’s jubilee here.
Main image - Northland's secondary schools celebrate their kapa haka festival for the 50th year, this week.
Image below - the school hosting the festival is also celebrating its 50th Jubilee on Friday 11 April with a gala event and dinner.
