Kapa haka group proudly represents Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei in music month

For Te Whare Karioi, New Zealand Music Month is more than an opportunity to share music; it is also a chance to represent their iwi Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei with pride.

Performances by the cultural institute were held in the centre of Tāmaki Makaurau at Te Wharekura every Saturday during May.

Keitiria McColl, from Te Whare Karioi, said while the rōpū had other iwi members, many, including herself and group leader Piripi Davis, were proud descendants of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

“We stand as representatives of our hapū, holding the mantle of ahi kā for Te Kahu Tōpuni o Tuperiri—the only iwi with direct whakapapa to the Waitematā.

“So, for us, this isn’t just an opportunity—it’s a responsibility. As tangata whenua, it is our role and our honour to uphold the mana of this whenua and to welcome the many people arriving here, to our moana, and to our home.”

Organiser Leela Bhai said the performances were “centred on public engagement and sharing the te ao Māori perspective”.

“This was not just about music in the conventional sense. It was including the rhythms and sounds that are intrinsic to our culture – the striking of the poi against the palm, the taiaha hitting the ground, the chants and breathing that form part of the collective experience.”

Bhai said it was important to “expand the definition of music, showcasing its dynamic and living nature from the te ao Māori perspective”.

“These hour-long sessions showcase taonga pūkaea, pūtatara, taiaha, poi and haka, with opportunities to participate and learn about the cultural significance behind each art form.

“It’s about a musical heritage, a true reflection of what makes Aotearoa music unique, and I’m honoured to be able to contribute to such an important celebration.”

Bhai said she asked Te Whare Karioi to perform because their “kaupapa aims to provide fulfilling and purposeful mahi opportunities for rangatahi Māori, balancing te ao Māori and te ao Pākehā”.

“Through pōwhiri on the marae and within corporate spaces, rangatahi develop cultural and professional skills.”

McColl said it was the group’s “responsibility, as the pou of this whare, to create meaningful and purposeful mahi for our rangatahi – a space where they are seen, valued, and challenged to grow”.

“Te Whare Karioi is more than a performace group. It’s a whare where our rangatahi can stand tall in our identity, develop their skills, and feel a deep sense of belonging.

“For many, it has become a second home – one grounded in tikanga, whanaungatanga, and aroha.”