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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
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Tauranga First To Hear The Call Of The Tūī: Te Tangi A Te Tūī Tickets On Sale Now
A powerful production fusing kaupapa Māori storytelling with breathtaking contemporary circus opens its Te Ika-a-Māui / North Island tour in Tauranga this August. Tickets are now on sale for Te Tangi a Te Tūī, which will have its only public performance in Tauranga on Wednesday 6 August at Baycourt Community and Arts Centre. A dedicated schools matinee performance will follow on Thursday 7 August. Performed entirely in te reo Māori, the work blends kapa haka, aerial artistry and acrobatics into a deeply moving performance that celebrates identity, whakapapa and cultural reclamation. 'Baycourt is proud to support culturally rich productions like Te Tangi a Te Tūī, particularly those that create space for rangatahi to see their language, identity and stories reflected on stage in creative and resonant ways,' says Baycourt Manager Reena Snook. Inspired by the evolving song of the native tūī, the show is a collaboration between master storytellers and kaupapa Māori performing arts company Te Pou Theatre, and world-class cirque innovators The Dust Palace. Audiences fluent in or on a journey with te reo Māori will enjoy full immersion. Those newer to the language will receive an English-language synopsis and radio play upon booking to ensure accessibility and connection. With just one public performance and tickets expected to sell quickly, Tauranga audiences are encouraged to book early to avoid missing out. "Described as transformative and visually spectacular, Te Tangi a Te Tūī is a must-see work of Aotearoa theatre," says Snook. Tickets are available now at
Otago Daily Times
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Te Pāti Māori punishment 'not taken lightly'
Privileges Committee chair Judith Collins said the behaviour of Te Te Pāti Māori MPs was intimidating and the worst she had seen. Photo: RNZ The head of Parliament's powerful Privileges Committee says the decision to impose an unprecedented punishment on Te Pāti Māori MPs over a protest haka was not taken lightly. The committee's government members want co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer suspended for 21 days and MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke to face a seven-day suspension. The trio stood in front of ACT MPs and performed a haka in protest of the Treaty Principles Bill during its first reading. Committee chair Judith Collins said their behaviour was intimidating and the worst she had seen. She also criticised Ngarewa-Packer for appearing to point her finger at the ACT MPs like a gun. "We've never had penalties like this in this Parliament before, but that's because we've never seen this sort of behaviour during a vote in the House. I've never seen anything like it. This was a very sad day for Parliament." Labour, Green and Māori Party committee members have condemned the penalties, saying they are far too harsh and mean the MPs will not be in Parliament for the Budget. But Collins said interrupting Parliament during a vote was a very serious matter and the committee's majority decision was a reminder that MPs must obey the rules. "It's really important for every MP to think about this. It is an absolute privilege to do that job. That is why to try and stop and interrupt a vote of Parliament while members of Parliament are trying to cast their votes in a debate is an extremely serious matter. We have not done this lightly. "That's why people should behave in Parliament." Collins this morning told RNZ the committee did not add any time onto its suspension for Māori Party co-leaders for refusing to stand before the committee. She said waiting six months to deliver its recommendation was unprecedented, and could not wait any longer just because the Budget was coming up. "We waited six months on this. We have gone through every option to try and engage with the three MPs. If we stopped our deliberation on the basis that there is a very important vote coming up... We may never get to have that deliberation." ACT leader David Seymour questioned whether the punishment was tough enough. "What we've seen is people grossly breach the conditions of Parliament, refuse to show up to the hearing, and then leak the contents of select committee proceedings to try and further mock the people's Parliament. "I think, all things considered, they've got off pretty lightly." Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick called the suspension "utterly ridiculous" and a "gross punishment". Parliament should be aspiring to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi and consistently celebrate haka and te reo Māori, she believed. The Privileges Committee's decision will be voted on next Tuesday, with government MPs expected to back the suspensions.
Scoop
05-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Nominations Open For Ngā Tohu Reo Māori 2025
Press Release – Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori The updated categories reflect the full spectrum of mahi New Zealanders carry out daily, weekly or monthly to uplift te reo Mori from inspiring new learners and using the language every day, to leadership, awareness, and innovation in te … The karanga is out! Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, the Māori Language Commission, is calling for nominations for Ngā Tohu Reo Māori 2025 – a celebration of those who are championing the normalisation and revitalisation of te reo Māori. This year, the awards have been refreshed to align with five internationally recognised pillars of language revitalisation, alongside our long-standing Tohu Oranga Angitu and Tū Rangatira awards. The updated categories reflect the full spectrum of mahi New Zealanders carry out daily, weekly or monthly to uplift te reo Māori – from inspiring new learners and using the language every day, to leadership, awareness, and innovation in te reo Māori. Te Taura Whiri Chief Executive, Ngahiwi Apanui-Barr, says Ngā Tohu Reo Māori is about uplifting the mana of te reo Māori. 'Our awards acknowledge the incredible individuals, organisations and kaupapa breathing life into the language across communities, the private sector, academia and beyond – kia mauriora te reo! 'The revitalisation of te reo Māori belongs to all of us, te reo Māori is New Zealand's language. 'These awards are about shining a light on those who are turning dreams into reality – making te reo a normal, living language in everyday Aotearoa – ake ake ake.' The winners will be honoured at a special event on the evening of Friday, 7 November 2025, in Wellington. Nominate an individual, organisation or kaupapa today!
Scoop
04-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Nominations Open For Ngā Tohu Reo Māori 2025
The karanga is out! Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, the Māori Language Commission, is calling for nominations for Ngā Tohu Reo Māori 2025 – a celebration of those who are championing the normalisation and revitalisation of te reo Māori. This year, the awards have been refreshed to align with five internationally recognised pillars of language revitalisation, alongside our long-standing Tohu Oranga Angitu and Tū Rangatira awards. The updated categories reflect the full spectrum of mahi New Zealanders carry out daily, weekly or monthly to uplift te reo Māori – from inspiring new learners and using the language every day, to leadership, awareness, and innovation in te reo Māori. Te Taura Whiri Chief Executive, Ngahiwi Apanui-Barr, says Ngā Tohu Reo Māori is about uplifting the mana of te reo Māori. 'Our awards acknowledge the incredible individuals, organisations and kaupapa breathing life into the language across communities, the private sector, academia and beyond – kia mauriora te reo! "The revitalisation of te reo Māori belongs to all of us, te reo Māori is New Zealand's language. 'These awards are about shining a light on those who are turning dreams into reality – making te reo a normal, living language in everyday Aotearoa – ake ake ake.' The winners will be honoured at a special event on the evening of Friday, 7 November 2025, in Wellington. Nominate an individual, organisation or kaupapa today!
