Around 300 whānau from Rangitāne across Aotearoa gathered in Wairau for Te Tapuwaetahi o Rangitāne, a three-day festival held over Labour Weekend.
Hosted by Te Rūnanga a Rangitāne o Wairau, the event brought together whānau from Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua, Wairarapa, Manawatū and Wairau to reconnect, celebrate, and enjoy time together.
This year marked the long-awaited return of the festival to Wairau after more than a decade. The weekend began with a pōwhiri at Ōmaka Marae, where manuhiri were welcomed with karanga, waiata and kōrero, setting the tone for the days ahead. It was a moment that reflected the enduring strength of Rangitāne whakapapa and the significance of gathering once more in Wairau.
The weekend featured sports, cultural activities, and opportunities for whanaungatanga throughout the three days. Rangitāne o Wairau were proud to be named the overall winners of the hākinakina, taking home the Rangitāne Sports Trophy. The competition was keenly contested, with friendly rivalry between the different Rangitāne rohe. The victory was a special moment for our Wairau whānau, reflecting teamwork, determination, and manaakitanga both on and off the courts.
Corey Hebberd, Kaiwhakahaere Matua, said the festival was a time to rekindle old relationships and create new ones for the next generation.
“It’s about coming together, reconnecting with each other and with the places and people that shape who we are.”
A highlight of the weekend was seeing tamariki and rangatahi fully involved — from sports to manaakitanga, their enthusiasm and pride in our iwi was a powerful reminder that Rangitāne’s future is strong, vibrant, and grounded in whakapapa.
Many whānau commented on the special atmosphere that filled Omaka Marae and the surrounding spaces throughout the weekend. The event provided not only time for celebration, but also reflection on the journeys that have brought Rangitāne together
across generations. As the festival closed, there was a shared sense of pride and anticipation for the next Te Tapuwaetahi o Rangitāne.