For many kaihaka, kapa haka is a platform where they can voice their opinions on some of the country's biggest issues affecting Māoridom.

Today Tāmaki Makaurau kicked off the 2020 kapa haka season, with 17 teams taking to the stage to vie for their chance at Te Matatini 2021. 

The Tāmaki Makaurau senior kapa haka regionals get underway this coming Saturday. The event is known for its urban teams but this year Tumutumu Whenua will increase the presence of mana whenua in the competition as they take the stage for the first time.  Led by a father-daughter combo, the group represents Ngāti Whātua whānui.

Eighteen marae from across the Ngāti Tūwhareroatoa district have come together to compete for the iwi's marae sports supreme championship trophy. The competition features 16 sports events from ki-ō-rahi, to pétanque, chess, crossfit and marae idol.

The sixth annual Taranaki Tū Mai Festival took place in Inglewood over the weekend and, while it is a celebration where the eight tribes of Taranaki come together, it is also a stage of learning, expressing and telling the many stories of their ancestor Taranaki through the art of kapa haka. 

Going strong for more than 20 years, the Whangaruru School Cultural Festival attracted one of the largest crowds they have seen at their annual festival with over 16 primary schools performing on stage. 

Day 4 of the Mana Kuratahi competition held at Hamilton's Claudelands Arena. Let's take a look at some of the day's hightlights. 

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Whānau Tahi, from Christchurch, was the first of 3 schools representing the Waitaha rohe to take the stage on the first day of competition in Hamilton today.

Sixty-five primary schools from across the country were welcomed onto Waahi Pā this morning to signify the beginning of the biennial national primary schools kapa haka competition.

Japan-based haka group Ngā Hau e Whā is providing its members a family away from home and a way to connect and share the Māori culture to the world.

A fresh new Kapa Haka tournament gives taiohi Māori an opportunity to broaden their creative horizons.

Te Matatini has recognised Trevor Horowaewae Maxwell for his contribution to kapa haka with a lifetime award at the 2019 Waiata Māori Music Awards. The iconic 'Keeper of Traditions' award recognises those who have contributed their whole life to a kaupapa.