The 38th Hauraki Cultural Festival was hosted by Paeahi Marae. A kapa haka competition was the focus of the two-day event.

Over 2000 people from around Hauraki attended the biannual event at the Paeroa War Memorial Hall in October 2011.

Te Puni Kōkiri contributed to the success of the day through investment. Meanwhile, staff from the Te Puni Kōkiri Waikato office made additional personal ‘investments’ in the many kai and taonga stalls that were part of the festivities.

Around 22 teams competed across Junior, Intermediate and Senior categories. Rōpu competed in either the open section, or the Hauraki section, where only those rōpu from Hauraki were eligible.

The photo shows Aunty Margaret Graham and Aunty Daisy Te Moananui acknowledging the performance of the rōpu on stage.

First placings were awarded to:

Te Whare Kura o Manaia, Hauraki Junior
Te Whare Kura o Manaia, Open Junior
Thames High School, Hauraki Intermediate
Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Puku, Open Intermediate
Te Awaawa o Manaia, Senior Section