Welcome to the new look Kaikohe Community Web site. This site is focused on providing information of interest to Kaikohe residents, visitors, and businesses.
Pacific Curls
Wow what an amazing talent! Those attending the Pacific Curls performance on Thursday night 4th March in Kaikohe at the Mid North Motor Inn were treated to a wide range of styles of music. Sounds adapted from Celtic, Jewish rock, Pacifica, Maori and other styles were all interwoven with exotic sounds and complex rhythm from traditional and contemporary instruments. There was the Ukulele, Guitar, various percussion, world class fiddle playing and great Maori vocals. The more unusual sounds were the mournful notes of the nose flute, and the light pure sounds of the Kalimba, (African thumb piano), yet each were expertly adapted to produce items that were technically perfect and stunned the senses.
Ngatokimatawhaorua
Over the last month a historic waka, Ngatokimatawhaorua has been involved in several celebrations.
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Ngatokimatawhaorua Salute - Horeke 2010 |
Ngatokimatawhaorua, built around the 1940’s, is the waka that represents Ngapuhi. Several months ago a momentous decision was made to return the historic waka to the water after nearly half a century on dry land.
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Ngatokimatawhaorua - 1940's |
The bold initiative taken by Ngaitu people of Otaua on behalf of the Ngapuhi nui tonu was supported by Ngati Kahu, later joined by Whangaroa and then by Ngati Rehia. As in all successful undertakings there has to be a clear goal, a driving force, and inspirational leadership. Waitangi 2010 was the goal, Ngapuhi pride in the waka Ngatokimatawhaorua the driving force, and Niki Tauhara, his son Waha, Jolene Busby, Rangi Hetaraka and Joe Conrad are the inspirational leaders.
The final result was a once in a lifetime spectacle of the biggest waka flotilla in living memory at Waitangi.
More...
A Successful Ngāpuhi Festival
The festival is over and what a success it was. The festival was about ‘Reaching Out’, involving as many Ngāpuhi as possible from across the country and around the world and bringing them to the heart of te whare tapu o Ngāpuhi, “the sacred house of Ngāpuhi”: Kaikohe.
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Festival Perfromance 2010 |
The large crowds that came were a testament to the festival's success. They were well behaved and overall it was a great family time all out together. Some comments made by visitors were:
“Really good. Good for Ngapuhi, good for Kaikohe and good for New Zealand”
“Everyone was friendly and well behaved”
“It was nice to see dad, mum, the kids, grandpa, and grandma all out together enjoying the day”
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Festival Art 2010 |
As stated before, this festival is truly a unique modern Maori cultural experience. It is a credit to the organisers, and the Ngapuhi people.
It wasn’t about putting on a show for tourists, it was about Ngapuhi enjoying being Ngapuhi and celebrating with their family and extended family, yet all were welcome to come and participate: entry was free to all.
As time goes on and word gets out I suspect many visitors will to come from overseas to future festivals to join with Ngapuhi and celebrate with them.
It was amazing to see such a large crowd enjoying the performance and staying true to nga tikanga tuturu o te ao Maori. I saw no drinking and no one smoking!
Even the weather was kind, while there was flooding elsewhere in New Zealand the weather here in Kaikohe was fine right up till the festival was over, and then we had some much needed rain!
The Ngāpuhi people, the largest iwi in New Zealand, have played a significant role in shaping New Zealand’s history, and today will continue to play a significant role in shaping its future.
Kaikohe, “The Heart of Ngāpuhi”, is proud to have hosted this fantastic event.
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