Kōanga Festival - Whānau Day

A free family-centred day celebrating pūrākau (story telling) from around the world.
Storytelling, kapa haka, performances, kēmu, and kai.

To kick off the opening weekend of the 10th annual Kōanga Festival, Whānau Day is a free family-centred day celebrating storytelling in all its many forms and inspiring our youngest storytellers with pūrākau from around the world.

This year, Whānau Day features performances from MOHI, Dust Palace, Sau e Siva, Tuakoi Ohia, and Brady Peeti. A Fool’s Company return with Rae-cycling and the Binfluenza: Operation Green, as well as our reo Māori touring show, Te Hokinga Mai a Hoiho. Stories will be shared by Raukura Roa, Tangaroa Paul, Renee Liang, as well as rakygo (Japanese traditional art of comedy storytelling) by Hiroshi Nakatsuji. Come along for all ages fun with pukapuka and printmaking workshops.

Bring the whole whānau along to experience a day packed full with activities, performances, food trucks, games, workshops, storytelling, and celebrate the return of Kōanga!

Whānau Day is proudly smokefree, supported by Hāpai te Hauora.

Want to be a Volunteer at Whānau Day 2024?

We’re on the lookout for vibrant souls with a passion for laughter, high-fives, and heartwarming memories.

We’re gearing up for another Epic Whānau Day, and guess what? We need You to help us share the aroha, roll out manaaki, and create unforgettable moments for whānau from all walks of life.

If this sounds like a bit of you then, sign up today! Register with us by completing this form: https://forms.monday.com/forms/1a57de9f78f09dbb3c47119db1e30f23?r=use1