Home » New Zealand Travel News » New Zealand’s Kapa Haka Festival 2025 Brings Māori Heritage and Cultural Tourism to Kerepēhi Marae, Strengthening Hauraki’s Indigenous Identity Published on
November 6, 2025The rhythmic echo of haka chants and the harmonious blend of traditional Māori songs will once again fill the air in Kerepēhi, New Zealand, as the Hauraki Cultural Kapa Haka Festival returns for its 52nd edition this November. More than a performance, this event stands as a living tribute to Māori heritage, uniting generations in a powerful expression of identity, culture, and travel.From November 21 to 22, the Kerepēhi Marae will transform into a stage of storytelling and spiritual connection, welcoming visitors from across the country and beyond to witness one of the region’s most cherished cultural gatherings. For travellers seeking to experience authentic New Zealand traditions, the festival offers an intimate journey into the heart of Māori life — one that celebrates language, movement, community, and the enduring spirit of Aotearoa.Advertisement A Cultural Gathering Rooted in HistoryThe Hauraki Cultural Kapa Haka Festival has deep roots in New Zealand’s cultural history. Established decades ago to unite the marae (tribal meeting grounds) of the Hauraki region, the event has since evolved into a multi-generational celebration of pride and belonging. The festival rotates between marae hosts each year, and in 2025, Kerepēhi Marae has been chosen as the guardian of this legacy.Elders of the marae, known as kaumātua and kuia, play an essential role in preserving the values of the event. The principle of manaakitanga — hospitality, care, and respect — serves as the guiding kaupapa (philosophy) for this year’s festival. It symbolises the community’s commitment to welcoming all guests, performers, and visitors with warmth and generosity.Hosting the festival is both an honour and a responsibility for the Kerepēhi community. Preparations have been underway for months, with local schools, cultural groups, and families collaborating to ensure the event reflects the essence of Māori unity. As the marae prepares its grounds, the sense of anticipation grows, drawing not only locals but also cultural travellers eager to experience the living heartbeat of Māori tradition.A Showcase of Māori Performance and IdentityThe Kapa Haka Festival is far more than an artistic display; it is a performance of life itself. Through haka, waiata (songs), poi, and traditional dances, performers express themes of ancestry, love, nature, and social identity. Each routine tells a story passed down through generations, connecting the modern Māori to their ancestral lineage.Advertisement This year’s programme includes performances by tamariki (children) from kōhanga reo (early childhood centres), rangatahi (youth) from schools, pakeke (adults), and respected kaumātua (elders). The intergenerational participation ensures the continuity of Māori language and customs, reinforcing cultural education within families and communities.Visitors will also witness the pōwhiri (welcoming ceremony) on the opening morning, complete with a wero (traditional challenge) performed by three Kerepēhi School boys. This symbolic ritual represents the bravery and discipline of Māori warriors while honouring the sacred act of welcoming guests onto marae grounds. The sound of karanga (calls of welcome) and the rhythm of taiaha (traditional weapons) create an atmosphere of reverence that captivates all who attend.Tourism and Cultur …
