Takitimu Festival 2008

Come and watch as the Waikoko Gardens fill with laughter, song, dance and oratory as thousands of descendants from the Takitimu Canoe converge on Hastings for an unforgettable celebration.

The inaugural event, hosted by Ngati Kahungunu Iwi, will bring together the best 1,500 artisans, craftspeople, musicians, performers, singers and actors from eight iwi and three Pacific nations of Takitimu descent over five days.

The festival village will encompass 5 stages, an art trail, food and craft fair, kiddies playground and interactive forums. The event takes place around Lake Waikoko in the magnificent setting of a 100 year old 5 hectare garden.

The festival will include:

-- Wananga: Oral and written presentations on the whakapapa, history and karakia from each area of the waka.
-- Te Reo Wananga: Oral Arts. Forums provide a platform for discussion, action on current issues and a plan for future generations
-- Nga Toi – Visual Arts: Key Takitimu artists will develop work for “Takitimu Te Waka Tipua” Exhibition and the village kinetic art trail
-- Kapa Haka – Performing Arts: This will feature all performing art forms including traditional and contemporary dance, drama, music and oratory.