Te Mana Kuratahi has had a roaring start, with day one of the festival proving just how fierce the competition is going to be this year.

The kapa haka competition has made its biennial return after 2023 showed us some absolutely unreal haka, poi and waiata. This year's festival and 25th anniversary is hosted in Tauranga.

It sees 62 rōpū come together from all corners of the motu, for a week of celebrating culture and identity.

Here are some of our favourite moments from Te Mana Kuratahi 2025 day one:

Te Whare o Puke Ariki Te Ara Whānui (Te Awa Kairangi ki Wairarapa) 

This rōpū seems to be all about expression. Their incredible haka clip has received a whopping 104,000 views in less than 24 hours.

The facial expressions are on point - some cheeky, some fierce and some absolutely stunning. No matter which, they were all given with brilliant conviction.

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata (Te Arawa)

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve already watched this stunning and moving solo. The full body chills from the sheer power and projection of her voice are unreal.

Each action is filled with so much emotion, you truly will be mesmerised by this waiata - and suddenly you’ve watched it for an hour straight.

It’s no surprise that it’s already gone viral, reaching close to 70k views in just 17 hours. Ataahua!

Te Wharekura o Ngāti Rongomai (Te Arawa)

The haka are ON already. It’s only been a day, but this rōpū has shown they mean business.

One tama came through with the intensity and enthusiasm to really shine. You can see the moments his tūpuna come through in his performance, while also seeing the pure joy of being on that stage. 

The competition has already kicked off on day two and is running til Friday. Ka pai to all the kura who have already taken the stage, and good luck to all the tamariki we’re yet to see!