The Turner Centre are proud to present a Matariki Celebration of Kapa Haka, Music and Dance during the period of Puanga Matariki

Join us for a Matariki Celebration of Kapa Haka, Music & Dance, a vibrant showcase of culture, talent, and community.

This special event will be hosted by the Ngati Rehia Community Kapa Haka Group, who will present their finale from the 10-week Kapa Haka programme led by Rawi Pere.  

Experience the dynamic essence of kapa haka, encompassing haka, poi, choral pieces, action songs, and entry waiata, as participants take the stage before their friends and whanau.  

Next up is Call to Wallis a contemporary dance-theatre piece by Justin Haiu that explores cultural identity, heritage, and personal roots through movement, storytelling, and music.

The work follows a loosely autobiographical journey of a Pacific Island–born individual raised in Aotearoa who feels a pull toward their ancestral homeland – Wallis Island. Through a series of vivid, often playful scenes, the piece builds toward a return to cultural origins.

Stylistically, the piece mixes hip-hop, contemporary dance, Pacific movement traditions, live drumming, and theatrical elements, reflecting the hybrid identity it portrays.

This performance was made possible with the support of the Bay of Islands Whangaroa Community Board, Pacific Dance NZ, and Sargood Bequest.