Te Puni Kōkiri supported the Tauranga Jazz Society to provide a Māori stage for the first time at a National Jazz Festival.

The 47th National Jazz Festival was held in Tauranga and is the second longest running jazz festival in the world. “Having a dedicated Māori stage at a prestigious festival such as this provides an opportunity to showcase the skills and talents of local Māori musicians,” says Te Puni Kōkiri acting regional director Ngawa Hall.

The Māori stage saw capacity crowds over the two-day period with a great response from visitors and locals, both Māori and non-Māori.