Latest news with #TeMatatini2025
Scoop
3 days 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
4 days 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.
1News
08-05-2025
- Business
- 1News
Fall in love with Rotorua: Māori tourism puts best foot forward
The country's largest tourism trade event, TRENZ, is underway in Rotorua showcasing some of the best places and experiences the region and country has to offer in a bid to attract more visitors to our shores, and the local Māori tourism industry is putting its best foot forward. Sean Marsh, Te Puia – New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute's sale and marketing general manager, said it was important that international visitors returned home having "fallen in love with Rotorua". Last night, Te Puia hosted the welcoming event where Te Matatini 2025 champions Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue made a surprise performance. "Nearly a thousand people arrived to Rotorua, and it's our job to manaaki them and welcome them in the best way that we know possible," Marsh said. The two-and-a-half day event is touted as the most important industry event on the calendar, connecting Aotearoa to the global tourism trade. Over its duration, the local economy is expected to get a boost of over $3 million in new spending. For Māori tourism businesses such as Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, it's an invaluable opportunity to make connections. "We envision that in three years' time we will have a large number of international travellers but they don't just show up at the door," said general manager Debbie Robertson. She said they engage with international buyers and travel agents and invite them to experience what makes them unique. "It's very important for Wai Ariki to be successful, not only for the facility, for our people. It's a large investment that we have and something we're proud of." Tourism in Aotearoa injects billions of dollars into the economy. In the year ending June 2024, tourist spending reached $11.6 billion, and according to a recent report, in 2023, Māori tourist businesses contributed $1.2 billion, up from $975 million in pre-Covid 2018. Tanya Robinson, general manager of Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village, said they have made a good recovery post-Covid and have an increase in visitors above the national average. "We're thrilled about that because our organisation is also charitable [and] it's great to be able to employ our people to be able to return value to our community, to give back to our taonga heritage buildings, our environment which is where all the funds go that we earn through the business." The village is set in a geothermal landscape and offers a unique insight into Māori living. It's an iconic tourist attraction owned and operated by Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao. They have been in business for over 200 years and are always working to improve on what they offer their guests, said Robinson, and TRENZ allows them the opportunity to promote their experiences. "It's both how we get to know our customers but also how our customers get to know us, what our product is, and to learn about what our offering is." Dale Stephens, New Zealand Māori Tourism chair, said a lot of effort goes into getting things right to "show our best face to our visitors". "The opportunity for us to present all the various elements of tourism, especially our indigenous, our Māori tourism, to buyers from around the world who come and they look at what they can buy and then on sell to tourists who come to New Zealand [is important]." Today, the Government announced the removal of the requirement to certify translations of supporting documents for visitors' visa application. Instead, applicants will need to advise who translated the documents and the qualifications or experience of the translator. Tourism Minister Louise Upston said it was about removing the "friction" of having to certify English translations, bringing the requirements in line with Australia. She said they wanted to make it clear, especially to the China market, that New Zealand was open for business and "keen" for visitors to return. No doubt a welcome announcement for Māori tourism who, Stephens said, are enjoying an increase in Asian buyers coming into the country. "We know that the Asian markets are hugely important culturally to New Zealand, and to Māori tourism especially. We see this as a huge leap forward to us. "We appeal to all countries in the world but we have quite a unique tie with our Asian whānau."
