Two people doing a hongi on a stage with a dark background

New to Tūhono?

Tūhono Festival is open to schools in Auckland and Christchurch.

Each year, spaces fill quickly, so we encourage schools to register as early as possible.

REGISTER YOUR KURA
  • Emails are sent at the beginning of the year inviting schools to register via Jotform.
  • Registrations are first-come, first-served, and close once concerts are full.
  • Each concert has space for 8 groups (Junior, Primary, Senior concerts: up to 18 over 2 concerts).
  • Registrations are now taken online through our form
  • Registrations are taken on a first come, first in basis.
  • Registrations close when concerts are full.

$225 + GST per group. This covers entry into your chosen concert, plus entry for tutors and helpers.

This also includes professional photos of your group emailed to your school after each concert.

We recommend starting with Ngahau (non-competitive) concerts before entering Whakataetae competitions.

There is room for 8 groups per concert and the Senior concert can have up to 15 schools

Each school must nominate a Group Manager (not the kapa haka tutor). The manager is responsible for communication, checking emails, and ensuring all requirements are met.

Questions? Contact us at festival@tuhonokapahaka.co.nz

Ngā Taonga I Awards and Competitions

Aggregate Awards

These are the core competition prizes:

  • Waiata Tira (Choral) – 1st, 2nd, 3rd
  • Waiata-ā-ringa (Action Song) – 1st, 2nd, 3rd
  • Haka – 1st, 2nd, 3rd
  • Overall Winners – 1st, 2nd, 3rd

Non-Aggregate Awards:

  • Manukura Wahine (female leader/s)
  • Manukura Tane (male leader/s)
  • Kaiwaiata (solo or small group singers)
  • Taonga Puoro (traditional instruments)
  • Kairakuraku (youth guitarist/s)
  • Novelty item (extra performance pieces)
  • Kākahu (uniform presentation)
  • Mihimihi – A short acknowledgement in te reo Māori during the performance 15-30 seconds
  • Pao – A short rhythmic chant or topical song to entertain, or welcome guests 15-30 seconds

All winners receive certificates, with trophies awarded for selected categories.

Our Judges are all experienced Kapa Haka performers and tutors. Many of them have performed at the National level on the Te Matatini stage. They are rotated regularly to ensure impartiality.

The criteria for each of the aggregate items is the same.

Your group will be judged out of 10 in 4 different categories for a total possible score of 40 for each item per judge.

  • SINGING: In tune, all performers singing all of the words, all of the time. A good sound.
  • HAKA: In time
  • XFACTOR: Quality of Ihi, Wehi, Wana. i.e. energy and overall presentation, wairua and excellence of performance.
  • FACIAL EXPRESSIONS: Action song; lots of smiling, moving of eyebrows, engaging the audience. Enjoyment and not looking down.
  • ACTIONS: Accurate hand actions, all the same. Strong wiri, no lazy elbows, constant foot rhythm and mistakes covered.

The male and female leaders of each group are invited up on stage to represent their schools. They need to remain in their full uniform.

Please prepare and teach them how to shake hands and hongi. All groups receive a performance certificate.

Making the stage and giving your best is a great achievement. Non-aggregate certificates are then awarded. After, Aggregate items and trophies are presented. Finally the overall winners are announced.

AFTER FINAL KARAKIA the winning group will be invited to the stage for a group photo.

After the awards are presented, your judging sheets will be available to take from the front of stage.