Founded in Auckland in 2019, with the Tauranga chapter established in 2023, Kunza Tauranga is a Chilean folkloric dance group dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing Chile’s rich cultural heritage in New Zealand through traditional dance, music, and storytelling.

Our name, Kunza, comes from the ancestral language of the Lickanantay people and means “of us”, reflecting our belief that cultural identity is nurtured and kept alive through community.

Our mission is to create a welcoming space where Chilean families and the wider community can connect with Chile’s traditions, strengthen their sense of belonging, and celebrate cultural identity with pride. Through vibrant performance and community engagement, we honour the legacy of our ancestors while promoting cultural understanding and exchange.

Inspired by the importance of preserving traditions and languages, we remain committed to ensuring that Chile’s stories, dances, and heritage continue to be shared with future generations and appreciated by people from all backgrounds.