Meet Chris Henare, Pou Takawaenga for Te Tai Tokerau
As an advocate for long term sustainable initiatives focused on stimulating economic, cultural and health benefits for whānau, hapū and Iwi in Te Tai Tokerau.
Chris is the leader and a founder of Muriwhenua and here they are on stage at the Ngāti Hine Festival.
Ko Chris Henare tōku ingoa, he uri ahau nō Te Tai Tokerau me Te Tai Rāwhiti.
Chris is the current Pou Takawaenga for Te Tai Tokerau and passionate about uplifting the standard and quality of kapa haka.
As an advocate for long term sustainable initiatives focused on stimulating economic, cultural and health benefits for whānau, hapū and Iwi in Te Tai Tokerau, he alongside his wife Sandra, are continually seeking ways to provide support to community projects that engage rangatahi and encourage growth and participation.
“I consider my superpower to be my ability to connect to the communities through my experience as a long-time public servant in the rohe, says Chris.”
Chris and Sandra received the prestigious ‘Te Tohu Whakamānawa o Te Matatini Award’ last year, recognising their contributions tote ao Haka. Read the Te Ao Māori News story here
“We are investing in competition format development such as training and upskilling Judges for future regional and national events.”
Chris strives to create opportunities that will inspire and motivate growth and engagement and ultimately raise the standard of kapa haka in Te Tai Tokerau.
“I want to ensure that the history and tikanga of each unique hub of the north is maintained and given the resources to flourish for future generations to be a part of, strengthening their cultural identity and laying the foundations for the years ahead.
“I am grateful for the ongoing support and contributions made by Whaea Janelle Beazley, Whaea Liz Makene, and Whaea Evelyn Henare.”
Haka snapshot of events from the North
Waitanga Day
Waitangi Day was the first big event on the calendar in the North this year. While 6 February is the day we recognise the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Waitangi Day celebrations were held over four days. Māori culture was showcased as a living breathing taonga, representing the traditions and history of our nation.
Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga
Te Tai Tokerau teams Muriwhenua, Hātea, Te Puu Ao and Te Uri o Manumanu performed with pride and distinction representing the many iwi from throughout the rohe. Te Matatini national kapa haka festival is the pinnacle of haka excellence. The high standard of performances reflected the commitment and sacrifice made by each kapa.
“It was a privilege to be part of such a prestigious event. To our gracious and humble hosts and the many marae and kaimahi that contributed, Te Kāhui Maunga e mihi ana.”
Muriwhenua Te Hokinga Mai concert
Te Kapa Haka o Muriwhenua brought back the non-aggregate tāonga for best haka composition to the Far North. They were met with a big haka pōhiri from the haukāinga to celebrate their Matatini success. Muriwhenua then put on a ‘community give back’ concert for sponsors and organisations who have contributed to the ongoing success of Te Roopu o Muriwhenua, drawing a massive turnout from the Iwi of Te Hiku o Te Ika.
Watch the Te Karere story here(external link).
Te Āhuareka o Ngāti Hine Festival
A long-standing community festival held over three days at Otiria Marae in Moerewa showcasing the many connections throughout the north, celebrating Ngāti Hine kōrerō and history. Supporting rangatahi and building positive relationships for the future of our people. These grass roots kaupapa are integral help to maintain te reo me ōna tikanga.
Read more:
Explosion of culture and aroha at Te Āhuareka o Ngāti Hine Festival - NZ Herald(external link)
Te Ahurei o Te Tai Tokerau 2025
Celebrating 50 years saw this year’s Te Tai Tokerau Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Festival being hosted by Ōpononi Area School, returning back to the original site where the festival began back in 1975. Special acknowledgement was given during the pōwhiri to those leaders and pioneers of the Kaupapa who had the vision to create this event to maintain te reo me ōna tikanga, and cultural pride for all students from throughout the region.
Twenty-seven schools from Wellsford to Te Kao participated in the festival with over a thousand students attending. A unique aspect of the festival is that it features two stages enabling students to perform twice, capitilising on the hard work and allowing for a second performance opportunity in a non-competitive setting.
Read more
Ōpononi hosts 50th Te Tai Tokerau Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Festival - NZ Herald(external link)
Fifty years strong: Te Tai Tokerau Festival sees haka thrive – Te Ao Māori News(external link)
