Latest news with #Junior
Scoop
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Pushing The Boundaries Of Creativity In Kapa Haka
Press Release – Rata Foundation Kapa haka is a vital expression of Mori identity, history, and culture. It has been passed down through generations and has evolved into a dynamic art form. Originating from traditional mteatea, haka, mau rkau, and poi, kapa haka has spiritual significance. When new rōpū Kōkō Tangiwai stormed to the front of the Waitaha region kapa haka competitions in 2024 they pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation to take out the top spot and earn their place at Te Matatini 2025. Kapa haka is a vital expression of Māori identity, history, and culture. It has been passed down through generations and has evolved into a dynamic art form. Originating from traditional mōteatea, haka, mau rākau, and poi, kapa haka has spiritual significance. Today, it thrives as both a cultural tradition and a modern artistic discipline, showcased in events like Te Matatini. Contemporary performers and composers are finding new ways to showcase kapa haka by integrating elements of theatre, modern music, and digital technology. Kapa Haka leader Junior Tana and his wife Kerrie-Anna formed Kōkō Tangiwai early in 2024 in response to the relatively small number of teams entering the Waitaha regional competition at the time. Junior says that kapa haka presents the perfect platform for developing an understanding of te reo Māori because all items performed are in te reo Māori. 'We are definitely focused on ensuring that performers know what they're singing about and, therefore, know how to portray the ideas and concepts within the compositions. 'The whole way we practice, and train together is like a kaupapa Māori framework. We karakia at the beginning of practices, we do whanaungatanga, and we allow our tamariki and rangatahi to be with us. We also spend time discussing different Māori concepts that are affecting us as a people at any given time. So yeah, there are lots of examples of where we can integrate te ao Māori into our practices and performances,' says Junior. Kōkō Tangiwai has over 70 people engaged in its kaupapa, including performers and the people who support the team with resourcing, cooking, teaching, and making the uniforms. Junior says there is a big whānau involved that embodies both unity and inclusiveness. 'Those relationships become really strong and tight. 'We have an open-door policy – anybody who's interested in learning or developing is welcome to come and at least see whether they like us or not.' Kapa haka is vital for preserving and reviving tikanga Māori, language, and traditions. It also fosters a sense of identity and ensures that tikanga Māori is passed down to future generations. Kōkō Tangiwai performer Rangimarie Pomare was inspired to join the rōpū after watching her older siblings doing kapa haka. 'The benefits of kapa haka, personally for me, is doing it with my family and my friends. Not a lot of people experience that in te ao Māori, so doing it with my older sister was such a pleasure. I've always grown up watching my older siblings doing kapa haka, so when it was my turn to get on the stage and doing it with her was very special to me.' Rangimarie says she is also doing it for her people. 'I know a lot of taiohi Māori are not confident in themselves when it comes to kapa haka. I'm just here as, like, a role model, you know, to say, like, you can do it. If you put in the work, you can get it done. People find it intimidating because they think it's a hard job to do. But if you practice, I think you could get it done easily.' Junior says that one barrier to participation can be the financial pressures on individuals and whānau to engage in kapa haka. 'One of our goals is to keep it accessible to all parts of the community – adults, rangatahi, and their families and children.' Rātā Foundation has supported Kōkō Tangiwai through its Participate funding priority, enabling a deeper understanding of tikanga Māori in arts, heritage, and traditional tākaro. Chief Executive Leighton Evans says, 'Kapa haka is vital in fostering a sense of belonging and enhancing cultural identity. It strengthens relationships within whānau, hapori, iwi, and hapū, deepening connections to te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori.' Junior says they have been fortunate to receive funding from Rātā. This means they do not have to charge kaihaka for uniforms or resources. 'Kākahu in this game are in the thousands – some of our piupiu can cost between $800 and $1600 apiece. So, receiving funding helps the group look professional and present well on the stage. It also supports the performers interested in mastering this art to make the kaupapa more accessible.' Performers put in hours of practice and learning – without guarantee of securing a final spot in the Te Matatini team. Junior says commitment and loyalty are probably the two currencies within kapa haka. 'Those who want to make the stage must put in the hours. You know, you've just got to rack up the hours. But it is achievable. It's like any sport – you can learn a skill, you can master the skill, and then you'll be the first pick.' It was the first time for many of the team performing at an event like Te Matatini. Junior says the experience was awe-inspiring and inspirational. To find out more, watch the Rātā Foundation is the South Island's most significant community investment fund, managing a pūtea (fund) of around $700 million. This enables Rātā to invest around $25 million per annum into its funding regions of Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough and the Chatham Islands. Since its inception in 1988, Rātā has invested over $550 million through community investment programmes to empower people to thrive.
Scoop
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Pushing The Boundaries Of Creativity In Kapa Haka
When new rōpū Kōkō Tangiwai stormed to the front of the Waitaha region kapa haka competitions in 2024 they pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation to take out the top spot and earn their place at Te Matatini 2025. Kapa haka is a vital expression of Māori identity, history, and culture. It has been passed down through generations and has evolved into a dynamic art form. Originating from traditional mōteatea, haka, mau rākau, and poi, kapa haka has spiritual significance. Today, it thrives as both a cultural tradition and a modern artistic discipline, showcased in events like Te Matatini. Contemporary performers and composers are finding new ways to showcase kapa haka by integrating elements of theatre, modern music, and digital technology. Kapa Haka leader Junior Tana and his wife Kerrie-Anna formed Kōkō Tangiwai early in 2024 in response to the relatively small number of teams entering the Waitaha regional competition at the time. Junior says that kapa haka presents the perfect platform for developing an understanding of te reo Māori because all items performed are in te reo Māori. "We are definitely focused on ensuring that performers know what they're singing about and, therefore, know how to portray the ideas and concepts within the compositions. "The whole way we practice, and train together is like a kaupapa Māori framework. We karakia at the beginning of practices, we do whanaungatanga, and we allow our tamariki and rangatahi to be with us. We also spend time discussing different Māori concepts that are affecting us as a people at any given time. So yeah, there are lots of examples of where we can integrate te ao Māori into our practices and performances," says Junior. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading Kōkō Tangiwai has over 70 people engaged in its kaupapa, including performers and the people who support the team with resourcing, cooking, teaching, and making the uniforms. Junior says there is a big whānau involved that embodies both unity and inclusiveness. "Those relationships become really strong and tight. "We have an open-door policy - anybody who's interested in learning or developing is welcome to come and at least see whether they like us or not." Kapa haka is vital for preserving and reviving tikanga Māori, language, and traditions. It also fosters a sense of identity and ensures that tikanga Māori is passed down to future generations. Kōkō Tangiwai performer Rangimarie Pomare was inspired to join the rōpū after watching her older siblings doing kapa haka. "The benefits of kapa haka, personally for me, is doing it with my family and my friends. Not a lot of people experience that in te ao Māori, so doing it with my older sister was such a pleasure. I've always grown up watching my older siblings doing kapa haka, so when it was my turn to get on the stage and doing it with her was very special to me." Rangimarie says she is also doing it for her people. "I know a lot of taiohi Māori are not confident in themselves when it comes to kapa haka. I'm just here as, like, a role model, you know, to say, like, you can do it. If you put in the work, you can get it done. People find it intimidating because they think it's a hard job to do. But if you practice, I think you could get it done easily." Junior says that one barrier to participation can be the financial pressures on individuals and whānau to engage in kapa haka. "One of our goals is to keep it accessible to all parts of the community - adults, rangatahi, and their families and children." Rātā Foundation has supported Kōkō Tangiwai through its Participate funding priority, enabling a deeper understanding of tikanga Māori in arts, heritage, and traditional tākaro. Chief Executive Leighton Evans says, "Kapa haka is vital in fostering a sense of belonging and enhancing cultural identity. It strengthens relationships within whānau, hapori, iwi, and hapū, deepening connections to te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori." Junior says they have been fortunate to receive funding from Rātā. This means they do not have to charge kaihaka for uniforms or resources. "Kākahu in this game are in the thousands - some of our piupiu can cost between $800 and $1600 apiece. So, receiving funding helps the group look professional and present well on the stage. It also supports the performers interested in mastering this art to make the kaupapa more accessible." Performers put in hours of practice and learning - without guarantee of securing a final spot in the Te Matatini team. Junior says commitment and loyalty are probably the two currencies within kapa haka. "Those who want to make the stage must put in the hours. You know, you've just got to rack up the hours. But it is achievable. It's like any sport - you can learn a skill, you can master the skill, and then you'll be the first pick." It was the first time for many of the team performing at an event like Te Matatini. Junior says the experience was awe-inspiring and inspirational. To find out more, watch the Faces of Funding: Kōkō Tangiwai video. Rātā Foundation is the South Island's most significant community investment fund, managing a pūtea (fund) of around $700 million. This enables Rātā to invest around $25 million per annum into its funding regions of Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough and the Chatham Islands. Since its inception in 1988, Rātā has invested over $550 million through community investment programmes to empower people to thrive.
9 News
2 days ago
- General
- 9 News
Kate could have lost her dogs in her separation. A new law is recognising pet custody
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Kate did not know what she would do if her partner kept their two dogs when they separated after seven years. In their relationship, they cared for French bulldog Junior and British bulldog Winnie. Kate's former partner had Junior before they began dating, while Winnie came after. British bulldog Winnie (left) and French bulldog Junior (right). (Supplied) But the issue was that both dogs were registered under his name. If they had gone to court, he would have got custody. "They were our kids, we didn't have human kids," she told "I live for them... They are literally my everything." But luckily, after what Kate said was an amicable breakup, they came to a solution. "Ultimately, he just said, 'Look, I just want you to have them'. And he bought himself a new dog, and they just stayed with me," she said. Kate's situation is one of the rare cases. In most instances, pets are not recognised under family law proceedings and are considered property. "It could have been a very different outcome for me," Kate said. But under a national amendment to the Family Law Act coming into effect on June 11, courts will consider emotional bonds and the welfare of a companion animal when deciding who keeps it after a breakup. Eve Smith, founder and managing director of Umbrella Family Law. (Supplied) This means the pet will no longer go to who the animal is registered to or whose home it stays at. Eve Smith, whose firm Umbrella Family Law was the first in Australia to train each lawyer in pet custody matters, said these changes would be "really positive" for families and partners moving forward. "What we find very much is that, particularly for people who don't have children, their animals are their be-all and end-all," she said. "Even within families with children, children and adults find so much empathy, understanding from their animals and calmness that when people separate, it's a huge decision as to what's going to happen to the pet." Smith has seen pets become an aggravating factor in separation proceedings, and used as a pawn. In one instance, a client of hers struggled to find alternative accommodation with her two Burmese mountain dogs, so she stayed with her estranged husband until the dogs passed away before she left the relationship. "These amendments are actually the law catching up with what's happening on the ground," Smith said. law national Australia Pets family CONTACT US
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Automotive
- News.com.au
First Drive: Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida
If the Alfa Romeo Junior was a person, it'd be the effortlessly stylish Italian who strolls into brunch in head-to-toe linen, Gucci sunglasses with an espresso in hand. Chic and charismatic. Originally launched in Europe as the 'Milano', the name didn't last long. Italian government officials pointed out that the car was built in Poland and so couldn't legally carry an Italian city name. A quick rebrand and a nod to a classic Alfa from the 60s, the Junior was born. But the Junior doesn't feel nostalgic, sure, there are parts that feel Alfa, but if anything the Junior feels designed for a new generation of buyers. One that's younger, more urban and style-conscious. Arriving mid 2025, the Junior will be Alfa Romeo's first model offered with both electric (Elettrica) and mild-hybrid (Ibrida) powertrains from launch. It also marks Alfa's most affordable model in years, expected to be below $50,000. But even at the entry point, it's positioned slightly above the more mainstream compact SUVs, targeting drivers who are willing to spend a little more for a car that feels a little more premium. This is where the Junior shines. This is a car for buyers who want their SUV to be a statement, with its gloss black body kit, diamond-cut alloy wheels, signature LED matrix headlights and bold two-tone colour options, the Junior feels more like a fashion accessory than a family SUV. The Ibrida variant I tested on Spanish highways pairs a turbocharged 1.2 litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a 48-volt electrical system. It delivers 100kW to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic and thanks to a small e-motor the car can cruise in electric-only power. The drive felt composed and refined but a proper dynamic test on Australian roads is needed to comment further on driving dynamics. With a 0-100km/h in 8.9 seconds, the numbers aren't anything to get excited about. But while it may not have the grunt, a spicer Junior Elettrica 'Veloce' version is coming soon with 207kW and 345Nm. Inside the cabin is distinctively Alfa, there's thoughtful tech, sporty touches, dual 10.25-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, cloverleaf AC vents and the 'Spiga' seats as standard (optional in other markets). While the cabin is stylish, the materials black cloth/leatherette seats and finishes fall just short of feeling luxurious. One design detail worth noting is the central screen, which is slightly slanted towards the driver, while it's meant to create a cockpit-like feel, I found it a little distracting, especially if your passenger leans over to change a setting. The interior space is reasonable, on a short trip, we managed to squeeze three adults and luggage, it took a bit of shuffling but it fit. The boot's adjustable floor came in handy however the rear space did feel tight, even for someone of my petite frame. There's also plenty of safety features including adaptive cruise control, AEB, lane-centering assist, reverse camera, blind spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition. The Junior is already performing well in Europe, since its debut in late 2024 with Alfa Romeo taking more than 27,000 orders across 38 countries. As of early 2025, it's the brand's best selling model and has helped Alfa lift its overall sales in Europe. But how the Junior will perform in Australia is a much bigger question. Here it's not just fighting for attention with familiar brands like Volkswagen, Mazda and Lexus but the real threat comes from brands like BYD and MG, which continue to offer buyers luxury and hi-tech options at prices that make premium badges worried.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Hockey Canada sexual assault trial update: Carter Hart breaks silence, claims the woman 'willingly participated" in the sexual activity
Carter Hart testified that the complainant willingly participated in the sexual activity (Nicole Osborne/The Canadian Press) The ongoing sexual assault trial involving five former members of Canada's 2018 World Junior Hockey team took a pivotal turn this week as NHL goalie Carter Hart took the witness stand. Hart is the first among the accused to testify in the high-profile case that has rocked the Canadian hockey world and drawn national attention since allegations emerged over an incident during a Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario. Group sexual assault case involving Hockey Canada players continues amid controversy and courtroom disruptions — CityNewsVAN (@CityNewsVAN) Carter Hart told the Ontario Superior Court that the woman at the center of the case — identified only as E.M. due to a publication ban — "willingly participated" in the sexual activity that occurred in a hotel room following the June 2018 event. He claimed E.M. never objected or expressed discomfort during the encounter. "She willingly participated in the sexual activities... and did not express any objections," Hart stated under oath. Hart's legal team took a direct aim at the credibility of prosecution witness Brett Howden, an NHL player with the Vegas Golden Knights. Howden, who testified remotely, was cross-examined regarding inconsistencies in his memory of the night. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Hart's lawyer, Megan Savard, suggested Howden's recollection could be impaired due to a prior head injury, raising doubts about the reliability of his testimony. Trial plagued by procedural issues and jury dismissal This trial, which began after a previous one was derailed by a mistrial, has already seen significant disruption. Earlier this month, the jury was dismissed when jurors expressed concern over feeling mocked by defense lawyers — a rare occurrence in Canadian courtrooms. A prior mistrial had already occurred due to allegations of inappropriate contact between a juror and a defense attorney. As a result, the proceedings are now moving forward without a jury. While Michael McLeod, another of the accused, will not be testifying, it remains unclear whether Cal Foote, Dillon Dubé, or Alex Formenton will take the stand. All five former players have pleaded not guilty to the charges. McLeod faces an additional charge of being a party to the offense. Also Read: 'Have s*x in front of nine other guys': Michael McLeod calls hotel group s*x encounter 'weird' as Hockey Canada sexual assault scandal deepens The case continues under Justice Maria Carroccia, with a publication ban limiting full disclosure of court proceedings. All five accused remain on leave from the NHL and are not currently under contract.
