Kapa haka groups from Aotearoa New Zealand joined by local Kiribati, Filipino and Indonesian communities illuminated Te Maeva Nui International Night.

The International Night, held as part of the annual Te Maeva Nui cultural festival, drew a strong crowd inside and outside Te Are Karioi Nui (National Auditorium) on Tuesday.

Local Filipino, Kiribati and Indonesian community groups on Rarotonga performed on the night alongside kapa haka teams: Te Hekenga ā-Rangi, Te Mana, Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga and Whāngārā-Mai-Tawhiti.

This event showcased the mesmerising and powerful performances from the visiting kapa haka groups, showcasing their mastery of haka, waiata, and poi, captivating the audience with their synchronised movements and powerful chants.

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A day of pride, unity and reflection

Te Hekenga ā-Rangi, which was established in 2019, is a Te Arawa kapa haka that is based in Maketū, the landing place of Te Arawa Waka in Aotearoa. 

Since its inception, Te Hekenga ā-Rangi has been successful at both the regional and national kapa haka levels.

Most recently they gained the honour of placing as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s top kapa haka at Te Matatini 2023 earlier this year in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. 

Te Mana “The Pride of Polynesia” is a dynamic and culturally rich kapa haka group rooted in the heart of Rotorua, Aotearoa.

With a strong foundation in Māori culture, Te Mana takes centre stage hosting and entertaining visitors from all walks of life, day and night. Their commitment to preserving and promoting Māori traditions shines through in their engaging cultural workshops, ensuring that the flame of their heritage continues to burn brightly.

Many of their members are ambitious university students, eager to combine their academic pursuits with their passion for culture and art. Meanwhile, the presence of TV presenters, film actors and actresses, and musicians in the group adds a touch of “star power”, elevating their performances to even greater heights.

The Kiribati community is closely woven in with the Cook Islands. Their young female dancers including little toddlers performed gracefully, and the young boys dressed in small woven mats added flair to their performance.

The Filipino folk dance showcased diversity and uniqueness – a celebration of faith, health, courtship, peace, war, harvest time and other aspects of life.

The Filipino dancers performed five different folk dances from different regions of their homeland including skilfully dancing between bamboo poles and on elevated wooden platforms.

The Indonesian costumes were stunning pieces of art. Their graceful dancers wore colourful, glittery costumes with golden shiny ornaments, dancing to gentle music.

The wonderful display of cultural talent served as a reminder of the richness and the power of cultural exchange to foster harmony and understanding among nations and its people.