In a significant cultural homecoming, the Takitimu – Te Kahu o te Amorangi Kapa Haka Regional Competitions will return to Tauranga in 2028. The announcement, made today by the Ngāti Kahungunu Arts and Culture Trust and Ngāti Ranginui, marks the first time the city has hosted the prestigious event since 1997.
The 2028 regionals represent a milestone for the wider Takitimu iwi collective, serving as the official qualifying event for Te Matatini—the pinnacle of kapa haka excellence in Aotearoa. The Tākitimu waka whānui region spans a vast geographical area, reaching from the Wharerata Ranges in Te Wairoa down to the Remutaka Range in South Wairarapa.
Karanema Huata, Chair of the Ngāti Kahungunu Arts and Culture Trust, expressed his delight that Ngāti Ranginui will host the kaupapa, noting the deep ancestral ties between the iwi.
“Our connection began with the arrival of the waka, but it is also whakapapa; Ranginui and Kahungunu were brothers,” Huata said. “Arts and culture have always been the driving force behind our connection, and we are pleased to return to Tauranga for the 2028 regionals, providing an opportunity for descendants of Kahungunu to return to the home of our tipuna—Te Hokinga mai.”
Huata also acknowledged the challenges faced during the 1997 competitions in Tauranga, which caused distress for some groups. He confirmed those matters have been clarified and that the 2028 return has the full support of Te Matatini, Ngāti Kahungunu iwi, and local Tauranga iwi.
Ngāti Ranginui Chair Charlie Rahiri highlighted the spiritual significance of the event, citing the arrival of the Takitimu waka in Tauranga Moana centuries ago. Captain Tamatea Arikinui chose to remain in the area, naming local landmarks such as Te Awanui and Tirikawa Rock.
“Hosting the Takitimu Te Kahu o Te Amorangi regionals here in 2028 is both a privilege and a cultural homecoming,” Rahiri said. He noted that the competitions will anchor a broader iwi-led programme designed to boost cultural identity and economic vibrancy. This will include a Takitimu symposium with invitations extended to whānaunga from Ngāti Kahu, Te Aitanga a Māhaki, Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tahu, and across the Pacific.
“In the current national and international climate, galvanising in solidarity and shared aspiration is vitally important,” Rahiri added.
The announcement also honors decades of dedication to the art form within the region. Kura Tukaokao, Chair of Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Ranginui, reflected on the iwi’s journey since the group’s establishment in the early 1990s by the late Rihi and Dr. Morehu Ngātoko.
“We have competed at regional competitions since 2008 and qualified for Te Matatini seven times since 2009,” Tukaokao said. “We will again be representing Tauranga Moana at Te Matatini o ngā Taniwha in Waikato in 2027.”
She believes the 2028 event will be an “energising moment” for rangatahi, whose innovation has revitalized kapa haka and increased its prestige across the motu.
The event is expected to attract thousands of performers and supporters to Tauranga, delivering a significant cultural and economic impact. The comprehensive 2028 programme will include:
• The Takitimu Te Kahu o Te Amorangi kapa haka regional competition.
• A Takitimu iwi symposium to reconnect descendants and share knowledge.
• Cultural activities and historical tours focused on Takitimu landmarks.
• Iwi-led celebrations of waka, whakapapa, and identity.
The 2028 regionals will be hosted by Ngāti Ranginui with support from Tauranga Moana iwi, Takitimu iwi partners, and Te Matatini.