The Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival is back this year and bringing with it an epic lineup of activities and events all taking place on January 31 along Captain Cook Wharf. The revised version of this festival focuses on the story of Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland and the waka that sailed to New Zealand, making it what it is today.
It looks at Māori heritage and the different forces that shaped the Tāmaki Makaurau through land and water performances including the talents of Maisey Rika, Louis Baker and Seth Haapu. Also featured at the festival is waka, dance, music and kapa haka performances by Nga Tumanako. Other entertainers listed are the Modern Māori Quartet and Tomorrow People.
There is also kai (food) and toi (art) at a marketplace. Here you'll see the Pou Rama lighting installation and where Māori kai and ingredients are celebrated through kai neighbourhoods. Free to attend, the event was put on by the 19 iwi of Tāmaki Makaurau, in partnership with Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED).
Image: Fred Taitin.