Thousands of tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and educators will gather at Te Rauparaha Arena this week as Te Kiwa Nui 2026 returns for three days of Māori and Pacific performance, language, storytelling and cultural celebration.
Presented by the Wellington Northern Region Polyfest Trust, the annual festival brings together early childhood centres, primary and intermediate schools, and colleges from across Porirua and the wider northern Wellington region. Over three days, young performers will take to the stage to showcase waiata, kapa haka, Pacific dance, music, oratory and storytelling, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the region.
Running on Tuesday 4 August, Wednesday 5 August and Friday 7 August, the festival has become one of the region’s premier celebrations of Indigenous and Pacific identity, while providing a platform for young people to express pride in their language, culture and heritage.
More than a performance event, Te Kiwa Nui is recognised as a living classroom where tamariki and rangatahi strengthen their understanding of the languages, histories and cultural practices of their ancestors. Organisers say participation helps build confidence, leadership, discipline, creativity and a strong sense of identity that extends far beyond the stage.
Festival Director Nathan Lopa says every performance represents months of preparation involving not only students, but also kaiako, cultural tutors, musicians, parents, grandparents, churches, schools, volunteers and wider communities. He says the festival creates a space where Indigenous and Pacific languages are spoken, sung and celebrated, reinforcing that culture is a living part of young people’s futures rather than something confined to history.
The festival has continued to grow in popularity. Last year’s event featured 2,584 student performers, 365 musicians and 175 kaiako, teachers and teacher aides, attracting almost 7,700 attendees. The expansion to a three-day programme in 2026 reflects increasing demand from schools and communities wanting to be part of the celebration.
Communications Support Fuimaono Faumuina Lafaele Mapusua says Te Kiwa Nui offers an important opportunity to tell a different story about Porirua and its Māori and Pacific communities.
Rather than focusing on negative headlines, the festival highlights the strengths of young people through education, language revitalisation, cultural knowledge, leadership and intergenerational connections. Organisers say it demonstrates the power of whānau, aiga, schools and communities working together to nurture the next generation.
This year’s festival also coincides with ‘Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Airani – Cook Islands Māori Language Week, providing another opportunity to celebrate the importance of Indigenous and Pacific languages and their transmission to future generations.
The impact of Te Kiwa Nui has also been recognised across the region, with the festival receiving the Education and Child/Youth Development Award at the 2024 Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards.
Event Details
Tuesday 4 August 2026
- Early Childhood, Primary and Intermediate Programme
- 9.00am – 4.00pm
Wednesday 5 August 2026
- Primary and Intermediate Programme
- 9.00am – 4.00pm
Friday 7 August 2026
- College Programme
- 9.00am – 5.30pm
Venue: Te Rauparaha Arena, 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua
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