Strengthening Connections:

Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services and Okaihau College Embrace Collaborative Approach to Cultural Celebration

In a heart-warming display of kotahitanga, event hosts Okaihau College, with the support of Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services (NISS), recently spearheaded a highly successful Te Taitokerau Kapahaka Festival that brought together twenty-seven performing schools, residents, businesses, and volunteers from all around Te Taitokerau region. This year the event, now in its forty-ninth year, noticeably showcased the talent of Taitokerau taitamariki and their passion for te ao Māori, drawing widespread appreciation and support from attendees.

The festival, held on the 10th and 11th of April, unfolded as a celebration of cultural pride and identity. All taitamariki involved did themselves and their whanau proud, with all their hard work and practice evident through their amazing performances. Regardless of the wind and rain, attendees enjoyed a range of activities, including outstanding kapahaka performances, stage giveaways, kai, community organisation engagement, and a range of stalls. The festival’s impact reverberated throughout Te Taitokerau, underlining the value of collective efforts. Residents and participants alike praised the event for its inclusive atmosphere and positive impact on the Taitokerau region. The hosts, Okaihau College, and community attendees, reflected a profound appreciation for NISS’ contributions. These contributions ranged from assistance in event organisation, contribution of staff, ushering, kaumatua and kuia support areas, on stage giveaways, and an exciting youth engagement area providing activities, arts and crafts, and prize-winning opportunities. This level of iwi engagement emphasises the enduring bonds with community forged through shared experiences. NISS, a prominent advocate for youth, has been a pillar of Te Taitokerau community service landscape since 1996. Recognised for their dedication to supporting and enhancing the mana of taitamariki and whanau alike, the organisation has continually sought innovative ways to foster kotahitanga and collaboration for positive change. NISS provide services in more than 30 schools across the Mid-North and Whangarei. Motivated by the success of this year’s festival, NISS remains steadfast in their mission to create better potential for the future of the next generation. This event being just one of many that have encapsulated the organisation’s unwavering dedication to their community. As Te Taitokerau looks ahead to future collaborations, the festival serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that iwi and government organisations alike, can have on strengthening the fabric of the community through kotahitanga. Next year, the festival will see its fiftieth year returning to Opononi Area School where the event first took place in 1976.