Te Hui Ahurei a Tuhoe 2025

Te Hui Ahurei ā Tūhoe

The biggest cultural festival for Ngāi Tūhoe will begin this Easter weekend, with thousands of participants and spectators expected to gather in Waimana for the three-day event, now the most anticipated and significant event on the iwi’s calendar.   

Established in 1971, the festival was founded by renowned Tūhoe leader John Rangihau with a vision to strengthen the identity of urban Tūhoe by reconnecting descendants with their cultural roots. Festival events include, kapa haka, sport, debates, art and music. 

Associate Professor at Awanuiārangi Haturini McGarvey is the composer of Te Hokokura, a haka that is an integral part of the festival. 

“Te Hokokura was initially composed in 2014 for the mau rākau students of Te Kura Parawhakawai and the following year it was performed at Te Hui Ahurei ā Tūhoe in Rotorua. It’s a whakatū waewae - a type of haka tūtauā, traditionally performed before, during, and after the heat of battle, when toa (warriors) were armed with weapons such as taiaha, koikoi, tokotoko, patu, or guns. Today, that same form is carried by kaihaka on the stage.  

“Te Hokokura has the same tikanga as Te Puuru, our Tūhoe anthem haka performed for over 160 years. What sets Te Hokokura apart are its words, which depict great Tūhoe warriors of old like Rangiteaorere. Each verse drawn from tribal sayings across Te Rohe Pōtae o Tūhoe. A core theme of this haka is to encourage Tūhoe people to fiercely hold strong to our Tūhoe identity, Tūhoe reo, Tūhoe tikanga, and Tūhoe whenua.” 

Whānau of all ages, tamariki, pākeke, and kaumatua, make up the 18 rōpū set to showcase their unique expression of Tūhoetanga across the haka stage, rugby field and netball court. Adding to the festival’s distinctiveness are the debates, another celebrated feature of the event.  

“The debating is an important feature of the Ahurei because we debate the important or controversial issues facing Tūhoe — in our reo, our way. It’s also a platform to showcase the acumen and debating prowess of each team, whether through strategic brilliance, immaculate wit, comedic performance, or lethal execution! Most importantly, it demonstrates to our tamariki mokopuna the reo ōpaki and reo ōtautohe of Ngāi Tūhoe.” 

Te Hui Ahurei ā Tūhoe is more than just a festival; it is a living expression of Tūhoe identity, resilience, and unity. Through haka, debates, sports, art, and music, the event strengthens connections to whakapapa, culture, and community. With its blend of tradition and modernity, it will continue to inspire future generations, contributing to the enduring legacy of Ngāi Tūhoe. 

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi is a proud sponsor of Te Hui Ahurei ā Tūhoe.