Rugby, Haka, Hangi Festival

Join in the fun of the Rugby, Haka, Hāngī Festival at Dannevirke Rugby Park in Southern Hawke's Bay as the locals treat visitors to a friendly game of rugby, lessons in how to do the haka and some traditional Māori food.

This will be a wonderful chance to meet and interact with local rugby fans and to learn about the real people at the grassroots of rugby in New Zealand.

Come play with us!
Dannevirke is the home to seven former All Blacks including Lui Paewai, the youngest player ever to don the All Black jersey at the age of seventeen. Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi is proud to invite players, teams and supporters from around the world to take us on in an unforgettable experience both on and off the pitch in this festival of friendship. Our beautiful farming region is 40 minutes drive from Palmerston North.

We’ll organise rugby matches against our local club teams suitable for all skill levels. There's workshops for those new to the game and tips to improve knowledge, ability and rugby skills. We'll lend gear to anyone who wants a game.

Culture
As part of the festival we'll teach you a haka (war dance), compete in some fun warm-up traditional Māori games and then you can join us for a delicious country feast at the evening's celebratory dinner.

Festival & entertainment
Our whole farming community is expected to come along to this friendly get-together. You'll experience first hand the best of our local pre-game entertainment & activities, food and hospitality at this country festival.

The event will be the fourth Rugby Haka Hangi Festival in a series of events hosted by five Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa towns in the Ngāti Kahungunu Rohe (tribal area).