An unshakable belief in the power of kapa haka to revive and heal has seen the Waitaha Cultural Council, grow from a dream into a showcase of Maori heritage and culture.

The Waitaha region has a strong history of Maori performing arts dating back over forty years. The Waiata Choir, an official concert group, toured Europe in 1934 to entertain King George V and Queen Mary.

Nga Pakihi Whakatekateka o Waitaha is rooted in the dreams of its founder, Te Kiato Riwai who believed performance encouraged prosperity. She saw striving for excellence in kapa haka as a way in which Maori could declare their aspirations and hopes for the future.

Kapa Haka is a uniquely Maori performing art in which dancing, singing, expression and movement share customs and tell ancient stories.

From its first annual festival in 1965, the Waitaha Council has grown into a strong cultural group and actively hosts Maori performing arts festivals in the Canterbury region.

Groups over the years that have supported Waitaha Cultural Council

who have since gone into recession or whose profiles we were unable to obtain.

Aorangi		Nga Tapuwae O Uenuku		Otautahi
Pounamu Ngai Tahu		Rehua Concert Party		Te Kaihanga
Te Waipounamu College		Te Whatu Manawa O Rehua		Te Whetu Ariki O Kahukura
Awataha Parenui O Whiti (Kaikoura) Te Aranga Nga Wai Whetu St Johns Te Kahurangi