Taranaki Tū Mai Unites 5,500 Iwi Members for Celebratory Event

Over 5,500 iwi members will gather this weekend in Ōpunakē for the Taranaki Tū Mai event, celebrating community pride through sports and cultural activities. Taking place from November 21 to 23, 2023, the biennial event emphasizes social connection and friendly competition among the descendants of the region’s eight iwi.

Celebration of Community and Culture

Since its inception in 2009, Taranaki Tū Mai has expanded significantly, according to the chairperson of the Taranaki Tū Mai Trust, Wharehoka Wano. “It’s just progressively grown and grown,” Wano noted, highlighting the event’s evolution as a platform for social engagement following the post-settlement phase of all eight iwi.

Wano emphasized that while sporting rivalry plays a role in the festivities, the true essence lies in enjoying one another’s company. “This is something for us to enjoy each other’s company,” he stated. The event is guided by three core principles: kotahitanga (unity), whanaungatanga (kinship), and Taranakitanga (pride in identity).

In a lighthearted moment, Wano expressed his excitement over the inclusion of surfing in this year’s programme, a personal goal that has taken him nine events to achieve. He plans to participate with the Taranaki Iwi team, aiming to connect the local Māori surfing community with their iwi.

A Range of Activities and Competitions

The event will commence with a ceremonial pōwhiri at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tamarongo on Friday morning. Following this, participants can engage in over 30 sports and activities including basketball, bowls, golf, netball, softball, and touch rugby. In addition to athletic competitions, cultural activities like wānanga (workshops), kapa haka (performing arts), and tautohehohe (debates) are also scheduled throughout the weekend.

The main venues for the activities will be Ōpunakē High School and the Sinclair Electrical and Refrigeration Events Centre, where attendees can also find food stalls and a hauora hub focusing on wellness. The event will conclude on Sunday with a prize-giving ceremony, celebrating both athletic and cultural achievements.

Wano acknowledged the significance of Taranaki Tū Mai in re-engaging iwi members, particularly those who travel from outside the region. “It’s an easy way to re-enter the iwi space,” he said, underscoring the importance of community connection and revitalization through such events.

As Taranaki Tū Mai unfolds, it promises not only to crown a winning team but also to foster unity, pride, and a celebration of heritage among the iwi of Taranaki.