He Manawa Toki Tuu: The Koroneihana Concert
The recent Koroneihana celebrations reached a spectacular crescendo with the He Manawa Toki Tuu concert—an event that didn't just meet expectations but set a new benchmark for how we celebrate our culture and Kiingitanga. Te Whare Haka o Tainui are proud to have supported this kaupapa with the capacity and expertise our Kōkiri Kaupapa team.
The Power of the People
The numbers tell a story of incredible reach and resonance. An estimated live audience of over 10,000 people gathered to witness the magic in person, while the digital marae was just as crowded, with more than 113,000 livestream views recorded. This wasn't just a concert; it was a global gathering.
Behind the scenes, the scale was equally massive:
2,310 performers took to the stage, including 20 kapa haka groups and 18 entertainment acts.
100+ kaimahi worked tirelessly to ensure every detail was accounted for.
20 stalls provided a vibrant atmosphere and shorter wait times for the thousands in attendance.
Manaakitanga Without Bounds
The heart of the event was found in its manaakitanga. Even when faced with the "unforeseen"—such as an evening water shortage solved by a fire truck—the team’s spirit of mahi tahi ensured the event remained seamless.
From the dedicated Kaumātua area, which received glowing feedback, to the Herculean task of preparing over 2,000 kai packs for our performers, the focus remained on caring for the people. Large holding marquees and the efforts of dedicated teams from across the iwi ensured that everyone, from VIPs to the general public, felt the warmth of Tainui hospitality.
A Magical Transformation
The venue layout was designed for both comfort and impact, creating a space that felt intimate despite the crowd. The combined efforts of the design team brought a "magical feel" to the event, while the livestream was hailed as one of the best kapa haka broadcasts to date.
Most significantly, the event served as a platform for Te Mauri o Te Matatini, with the complex requirements of the ceremony handled with grace and precision on and off stage.
Looking Forward
Reflecting on the success of He Manawa Toki Tuu, we recognise it as far more than a singular event; it was a profound opportunity to learn, grow, and flourish. This marks the beginning of a dedicated two-year journey toward hosting Te Matatini 2027—a journey defined by solidarity under the mantle of the Kiingitanga and our Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po.
