Ā Mātou Kōrero I Our Story

Tūhono began in 2013 as a grassroots event held in school halls across Christchurch. Driven by whānau and community passion, it has since grown into a large-scale annual festival that fills iconic venues such as the Christchurch Town Hall and Wolfbrook Arena.

Today, Tūhono continues to provide opportunities for mainstream schools of all sizes and backgrounds to take the stage, empowering tamariki, rangatahi, and the wider community through kapa haka.

Tā Mātou Take I Our Purpose

The word Tūhono means to connect. Our purpose is to bring schools together, uniting them through the shared joy of kapa haka. Guided by the whakataukī:

"Kia kawea tātou e te rēhia”

Let us be taken by the spirit of entertainment

We believe in the power of performance to uplift, inspire, and strengthen identity.

Ā Mātou Whāinga: Our Goals

  • To give tamariki the chance to participate in Māori performing arts.
  • To provide school groups with a professional stage experience, supported by their local Māori communities.
  • To support both newcomers and experienced kapa haka groups, offering non-competitive and competitive pathways.

Ngā Momo Konohete I Concert Types

Ngahau (Non-Competitive): These performances celebrate joy and entertainment. Schools are given 8 minutes to showcase any kapa haka items they wish. Ngahau concerts typically feature 7–10 groups and run for approximately 90 minutes.

Whakataetae (Competitive): Schools compete at a high level of performance. Divisions include Junior, Primary, Intermediate, Composite, and Senior. Groups are given 8–9 minutes to perform three compulsory items: a choral piece, an action song, and a haka.