Te Āhuareka o Ngāti Hine Festival - a chance to catch up
The whole Far North community has the chance to catch up with a celebration of Ngāti Hine history, its future and cultural identity at Te Āhuareka o Ngāti Hine Festival, this weekend. Thousands are expected to attend the festival held at Ōtiria Marae, Moerewa from Friday 28 March to Sunday 30 March.
Council staff will be hosting a stall at the festival. We want to hear what you think about important topics like:
- Te Pātukurea – Kerikeri-Waipapa Spatial Plan
- Mahere ā-Tau - Annual Plan 2025/26
- Fees and Charges Schedule 2025/26
You can also learn about our whenua Māori rate relief policies including what options are available and how you can apply.
Local elections 2025 are also a big topic, with staff from the electoral commission there to discuss the electoral process with you, answer questions, and discuss how to ensure you participate in shaping the leadership of our district.
The festival theme this year is 'Ka kakati te namu’, a saying from Te Tangi a Kawiti. It was first spoken on 11 January 1846, in the days following the withdrawal from Te Ruapekapeka Pā. While Kawiti was addressing his warriors he said “Ka kakati te namu”, meaning the sandfly nips. The full phrase, ‘'Ka kakati te namu i te whārangi o te pukapuka,' is a reference to He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi as founding documents that symbolise resilience.
Te Āhuareka o Ngāti Hine Festival began in 2008 to showcase, celebrate and preserve te reo and tikanga of Ngāti Hine. Over the years, it has attracted thousands of attendees with its lively, thought-provoking tautohetohe debates, kapa haka, kai, stage entertainment, tamariki activities and art exhibitions.
We look forward to being a part of this much-loved festival, connecting with the community and listening to your thoughts on the future of the Far North. Come swing by, share your views, ask questions, and learn more about the projects happening in our district.
To find out more about Te Āhuareka go to https://www.teahuareka.com