Enjoy a family day out at the Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival.

Tūī, tūī, tuituia tātou o Tāmaki - Join us so we of Tāmaki can rejoice and unite.* 

Traditional Māori storytelling, crafts, games and healing will be on offer beside contemporary Māori music, art and kai at the inauguralTāmaki Herenga Waka Festival, which shines the spotlight on the unique Māori history, heritage and contemporary culture of Tāmaki Makaurau. 

The free, family-friendly festival takes place at The Cloud, Queens Wharf, on Auckland Anniversary Weekend from Saturday 30 January to Monday 1 February.

Check out our event listing and the full programme of events over the weekend. 

A celebration of heritage and culture

This celebration of the Māori heritage and culture of Tāmaki Makaurau is being produced by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) in close collaboration with Tāmaki Makaurau mana whenua. 

ATEED General Manager Destination Vivien Sutherland Bridgwater says Tāmaki Makaurau has a rich Māori identity and the festival is a chance for Aucklanders and visitors to learn more about Māori heritage and contemporary culture of Tāmaki Makaurau. 

“The festival programme not only gives Aucklanders and visitors the chance to get up close and see leading Māori artists and practitioners in action, it also gives people the chance to have a go at traditional crafts and games, paddle a waka, or learn some Te Reo.” 

Festival Mana Whenua Steering Group chair Hauauru Rawiri says the inaugural festival is a foundation for the future development of the evolving festival, cultural exchange and Māori aspirations for Tāmaki Makaurau. 

“The kaupapa of this event is one of mahi ngātahi, a collaborative approach between mana whenua and ATEED. Tāmaki Herenga Waka is one of the names for Auckland and the festival is a chance for us all to bring Aucklanders and all New Zealanders in to the Tāmaki Makaurau Māori world. This is an opportunity to share what it means for convergence of our people and culture. It's a pathway to forge relationships, and build cultural awareness and understanding,” says Hauauru Rawiri. 

*The Māori Plan for Tāmaki Makaurau, Independent Māori Statutory Board.

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