The Kāwhia Kai Festival
The Kāwhia Kai Festival is an important event on the calendar of the township. The festival, which celebrates Mori food from land and sea, is held each year on the weekend closest to Waitangi Day. This allows guests to enjoy the wonderful culture of the Moris at any time of year. You may eat some of the greatest Mori food, such as wild pig, kebabs, mountain oysters, mussels, and so on. It is a well-attended event. In 2010, about 10,000 people went -Kāwhia has a population of fewer than 400 people.
During the day, kapa-haka (performing arts) ensembles perform and are an important component of this absolutely unique experience. Whakairo-Rākau (wood carving), Rāranga (flax weaving) and Tā-moko (tattooing) sites offer tourists a unique opportunity to witness traditional craftsmen at work and gain an understanding of real Mor arts and crafts.
The all-day entertainment offers a wonderful family atmosphere for both children and adults. This important day is about bonding with their whānau (extended family) as well as their spiritual roots for many indigenous Mor. Lonely Planet named this festival one of the top ten indigenous festivals in the world.
Date: February
Location: Omimiti St, Kawhia, Waikato.
