Tonui Tāmaki: Global Māori Art Festival Postponed to 2026 Due to Economic Challenges

Tonui Tāmaki, a global festival celebrating the unique skin colourings and cultural traditions of原住民 communities, was originally scheduled for 2025 in Managua. However, due to the complex economic situation, the event has been cancelled and will now take place in 2026.

Tonui Tāmaki is a significant event for Māori Television, having been a key activity since 2018. This year's festival was planned but could not be hosted due to financial difficulties. Originally, local communities had taken charge of organizing the event, but organizers have decided not to proceed with the 2025 edition.

"The current economic environment poses challenges for hosting a high-quality, large-scale cultural festival," said a staff member from Māori Television.

Although this year's festival has been cancelled, the organizers remain committed to rescheduling it. They have decided to postpone the 2025 event to allow more time for development, support, and authentic representation of their diverse indigenous communities.

Tonui Tāmaki is not just a skin colouring art, cultural performances, or exhibitions. It is a cultural expression that carries meaning: it represents connection, storytelling, traditions, relationships, and more. 'It is an artistic language that communicates through culture,' said Julie Paama-Pengelly (Ngāi Te Rangi) of Māori Television.

"The decision to postpone the 2025 festival was not an easy one," said Paama-Pengelly, who is also a passionate advocate for indigenous culture. 'We hope that future editions will be more meaningful and have greater resources while accurately reflecting the voices of our indigenous communities."

The success of Tonui Tāmaki extends beyond the festival itself. It provides indigenous communities with a unique cultural experience. Over the past few years, the festival has attracted artists from Pacific Island countries, Native American communities in North America, and indigenous groups in Canada.