The Te Arawa Kapa Haka SongHubs which took place on the 8th of June in Rotorua, was an outstanding success, marking a transformative moment in the region’s musical and cultural landscape.
Under the expert curation of Kahurangi Milne and Te Tāepa Kāmeta, this kaupapa encouraged collaboration across different iwi and tāera haka which opened doors to new possibilities for Te Arawa kapa haka, blending traditional and contemporary forms in exciting new ways.
Prior to the Kapa Haka SongHubs, Te Arawa had not had the chance to work so closely and collaboratively on such a large scale. The event allowed iwi and kapa haka groups to come together, share their expertise, and create new works that are reflective of their collective identity. Now, inspired by the success of SongHubs, there is a strong desire within the region to continue this spirit of collaboration in future projects, strengthening the bonds between the various communities and advancing the rich cultural legacy of Te Arawa.