Te Rau Aroha
Kapahaka
Inaugural winners of the Australian Secondary Schools Kapahaka Competition
Whakapaingia Te Atua tō tātou kaihanga. Whakapaingia Te Atua tō tātou kaitaurima. Whakapaingia Te Atua tō tātou kaiunga.
We are Te Rau Aroha, a tamariki/rangatahi based kapa haka roopū in Logan, QLD Australia! We opened our doors at the beginning of 2024, beneath the humble roof of our haahi, Te Rau Oriwa. It was here the vision was seen, and the foundation was laid, amongst the guidance of our koeke.
Ko tēnei te Rau o te Aroha, e rere amiorangi ana ki runga i ā koutou! Nau whakapiri mai, nau whakakake mai ki te whare haka o Te Rau Aroha
Why Te Rau Aroha Matters
Te Rau Aroha plays a vital role in ensuring our tamariki and rangatahi remain connected to who they are, despite being raised away from Aotearoa. In Australia, many of our Māori youth face challenges around identity, belonging, and cultural disconnection. Through kapa haka, tikanga, te reo Māori and whanaungatanga, we create a safe and empowering space where they can stand strong in their Māoritanga.
Our rōpū is more than performance – it is about building confidence, discipline, cultural pride and leadership. We have already seen the impact through increased engagement, improved attendance, and stronger identity in our members. We have laid the groundwork for our rangatahi to represent Australia on Te Matatini kapa haka stage, both nationally and internationally, while also connecting our whānau to established pathways back to Aotearoa through scholarships, school partnerships, and exchange programmes.
Te Rau Aroha is helping shape the next generation of leaders who walk confidently in both worlds.
Join the Rōpū
Te Rau Aroha was born out of a need for our tamariki and rangatahi living in Australia to feel connected to culture, language, and identity.
Starting with a small group of committed whānau, our rōpū has grown rapidly, now supporting over 100+ members. Through performances, wānanga, noho, and national-level aspirations, Te Rau Aroha Inc. has become a strong cultural pillar within the Māori community across Brisbane, Logan and Gold Coast.
As part of this journey, we have built strong relationships with cultural and educational leaders in Aotearoa and Queensland, allowing us to connect our kaihaka to existing scholarship opportunities, school partnerships, and exchange programmes. These connections provide meaningful pathways for our rangatahi to experience learning and cultural immersion in Australia and Aotearoa.
Our Kaupapa
Ko te Kaupapa
Ko te tino whainga o tēnei kapa, kia nohotahi ai i raro i te maru o te kotahitanga i ngā wā katoa. Kia whāngai atu ngā korero tuku iho o te kainga ki ngā tamariki/rangatahi e tupu manene nei. Kia mōhio te tamaiti ki tōnā arero māori, ki tōnā tūākiritanga!
Te Rau Aroha aims to reconnect Māori youth with their heritage, providing them an avenue to strengthen their cultural identity, despite living away from home. We are driven by Aroha, Manaakitanga, Kotahitanga and Whanaungatanga at all times, with these values guiding our kapa.