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Whanau have gathered for the Northern Kapa Haka festival held by IHC New Zealand. IHC New Zealand kapa haka held regional and national kapa haka festivals for people with intellectual disabilities, providing an inclusive platform to celebrate Māori performing arts and promote cultural identity, empowerment, and belonging. The annual festivals are organized by IDEA Services, part of the IHC Group.
The events are designed to:
- Empowerment and Inclusion: Offer people with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to showcase their talents on stage.
- Cultural Connection: Help participants connect with their cultural heritage (whakapapa) and community.
- Skill Development: Encourage participants to learn new waiata (songs) and actions, which builds confidence and focus.
- Community Building: Bring together performers, whānau (families), support workers, and the wider community in a celebratory environment.
In 2025, IHC New Zealand held a series of regional kapa haka festivals. Upcoming events include:
- Te Ngākautaki o ngā Kāhui-maunga Kapa Haka Festival (Central Region): Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Wairarapa Events Centre in Carterton.
- Te Hoenga Waka Kapa Haka Festival (Northern Region): The event took place recently on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Orewa.
- Te Wakatini Kapa Haka Festival (Midcentral Region): Took place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Sir Don Rowlands Centre, Karapiro.
- Ngā Tāngata Manawa o te Tai-Tonga Kapa Haka Festival (Southern Region): Took place on Thursday, October 30, 2025, in Invercargill.
These festivals are free to attend and are also livestreamed for wider accessibility.
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