Latest news with #teaoMāori
Scoop
2 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.
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Chris Bishop's comments during Stan Walker's performance have 'no place' at Aotearoa Music Awards
Veteran musician Don McGlashan says he gave government minister Chris Bishop a dressing down for what he called a rant by Bishop, during singer Stan Walker's performance (shown), at the Aotearoa Music Awards on Thursday. Photo: Emma Cooper The producers of the Aotearoa Music Awards have condemned Cabinet Minister Chris Bishop's comments during Stan Walker's performance, saying his remarks have "no place" at the awards ceremony. At Auckland's Viaduct Events Centre on Thursday night Bishop was captured on video declaring "what a load of crap" during Walker's performance, which prominently featured Toitū Te Tiriti banners. Some people in front of him were on their feet dancing and waving tino rangatiratanga flags. In a statement issued on Saturday, the producers said they were committed to creating a "safe, respectful and inclusive environment" and that these "expectations were clearly communicated to all who attended the event". "The inappropriate comments made by Hon. Chris Bishop during Stan Walker's performance have no place at the Aotearoa Music Awards," the statement read. "The Awards respect and honour te ao Māori and we were proud to support Stan with his vision for his powerful rendition of Māori Ki Te Ao." In a statement to RNZ, Bishop admitted he said "what a lot of crap" and something about performative acclaim. He said it referred to what he called the overtly political branding on display. Renowned musician Don McGlashan was seen on the video confronting Bishop, but McGlashan said he did not realise at first that it was the minister. Musician Don McGlashan (file photo). Photo: APRA AMCOS NZ "I could hear an enormous amount of ranting, kind of against the whole thing. I didn't get the full gist of it, but it was basically - 'the hīkoi is ages ago, sit down everybody' - so this geezer was just ranting away and telling everybody to sit down," McGlashan said. Ministers Chris Bishop (R) and Paul Goldsmith at Thursday night's Aotearoa Music Awards in Auckland. Photo: Supplied/ Stijl - James Ensing-Trussell "After a while, I turned to him and said 'Ah, shut up you dickhead' and I looked at him and I thought, 'Oh, I know that face'. Then he said, 'What did you say to me?'". McGlashan said that he again told Bishop to "'shut up you dickhead', and he said, 'I could say the same to you,' and I said, 'Well, I wasn't talking and you were.' And then I realised I was talking to the leader of the House". Another witness said the minister appeared to them to be drunk. "For him to take an instant dis-gratification towards Toitū Te Tiriti and that movement and to say that it's a load of crap is actually highly offensive. I'm very worried for somebody of high power in this country to be making those sorts of remarks in public," they said. Bishop has since acknowledged his comments were poorly judged, telling RNZ: "On reflection, I should have kept my thoughts to myself." However, he has denied making specific remarks about the hīkoi - the protest marches that have taken place across Aotearoa in support of upholding the Treaty of Waitangi - and has suggested the backlash amounts to a "political smear job". "Chris is a long-time supporter of New Zealand music and went to the Awards to celebrate successful Kiwi artists," a spokesperson said. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has declined to comment further, with his office saying the PM had nothing to add to Bishop's statement. David Seymour defended Bishop shortly after he was sworn in as deputy prime minister on Saturday. "Just because you become a senior minister, it doesn't mean you should stop having opinions," Seymour said. "It might well be that, based on what Chris saw in that moment, he was correct. It may be that people will agree with him." Seymour said he believed New Zealanders would draw their own conclusions. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
08-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Entries Open For 2025 Sustainable Business Awards
Entries are now open for the 2025 Sustainable Business Awards, New Zealand's pre-eminent sustainability awards. Now in their 23rd year, the Awards celebrate outstanding innovation and leadership in sustainability. Entry is free and open to all. Rachel Brown ONZM, CEO and founder of the Sustainable Business Network, which runs the Awards, says: 'For more than two decades, these awards have recognised people and organisations leading the charge. 'Sustainability alone isn't enough – and that's why these Awards have evolved to showcase those driving bold action and groundbreaking innovation. 'We're looking for a rich diversity of entrants – not just across sectors like construction, energy, food and mobility, but in the way organisations approach sustainability,' she says. 'That includes a range of business models and the integration of te ao Māori perspectives. We need to support sustainable innovators to help them grow and inspire others.' NZI, the Principal Partner of the Sustainable Business Awards, is dedicated to building a prosperous, sustainable Aotearoa New Zealand. Garry Taylor, NZI executive general manager, says: 'NZI is proud to support emerging leaders and solutions that showcase the very best in sustainable innovation'. Finalists of the Sustainable Business Awards form the 'Next' list – an annual list of innovators, entrepreneurs, projects and organisations leading us towards a better future. In 2024, there were 95 organisations and people on the list (the 'Next 95'), selected by a panel of independent judges. Rachel says those on the Next list are bringing potentially groundbreaking new ideas across multiple sectors: 'Anyone can have the chance to get on the coveted Next list, or even win, and one simple entry form is all it takes!' The Award categories are: Disruptive Innovation – groundbreaking products, services, technologies or business models designed with sustainability and circular economy principles at their core. Transformational Leadership – visionary leaders (individuals or teams) championing long-term, transformational changes towards a regenerative circular economy. Entries close on 27 June 2025. The winners will be announced at a celebration in November. To find out more, or to enter the Sustainable Business Awards, go to
1News
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- 1News
Receiving my moko kauae at 24 - from disconnection to connection
An increasing number of young wāhine Māori are embracing moko kauae - the traditional chin moko - as a powerful expression of identity, connection and cultural revival. Re: News followed one of the journey of one of them - Siobhan Moana Mary-Jean Grant's (Ngāruahine, Taranaki, Ngāti Manawa, Ngāti Wai) - to receiving hers. You can watch the full video on TVNZ+ now. For Siobhan, the decision to receive her moko kauae was not sudden — it was something she had felt her whole life. 'Ever since I was a little girl, I would see it on me,' she says. 'And now as an older wahine, the calling didn't go away. The karanga just stayed — and it got louder and louder and louder.' Raised in Murupara, Siobhan grew up surrounded by te ao Māori. She attended a kura kaupapa Māori and was immersed in kapa haka, where seeing women wearing kauae was common and inspiring. 'Whenever I see anybody wear moko, my heart space opens and it gets warm. And I'm so proud — it's a reflection that we're still here.' When she was 12, she moved to Picton in the South Island, where she says she lost her connection with te ao Māori. 'The cultural shock, as an adult, I can recognise it now - but as a child, I did not. 'That was a lot for a 12-year-old young Māori wahine to go from one place of connection to a place of disconnection.' Auckland-based tāmoko artist Tyler-Jade Whatarangi (Rereahu, Ngāti Kahu) says when she was doing her apprenticeship, she saw two, maybe three wāhine receiving their moko kauae in those three years. Now, she is doing about four a week. 'Around five years ago, there was a huge increase in the number of wāhine getting their kauae done, especially young wāhine,' she says. Siobahn is one of those and she has embraced her decision. After receiving her kauae, she says: 'When I looked at myself for the first time, I felt whole, complete, reconnected.' Watch the full story on TVNZ+
NZ Herald
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
‘Te Tangi a Te Tūī‘: Māori cirque show set for Rotorua and Tauranga
Tukiwaho and co-creator and lead circus artist Eve Gordon share a personal connection to the story. Both hailing from Rotorua, they grew up together in the region, where their shared upbringing plays a pivotal role in shaping the authentic voice of the production. Originally a collaboration between Te Rēhia Theatre and The Dust Palace, this production brings together the strength of kaupapa Māori theatre with the daring spectacle of circus arts. The result is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience that speaks to the soul of Aotearoa's cultural heritage. 'Rotorua is very proud to host 'Te Tangi a te Tūī'. The performance celebrates Māori culture in such an innovative and powerful way and will not only engage and inspire our community but also contribute to our vibrant arts scene here in Rotorua,' RotoruaNZ chief executive Andrew Wilson said. ' Sir Howard Morrison Centre is the perfect setting for this.' Two public shows will be offered in Rotorua. In addition, there will be a special matinee for schools and kura in Rotorua and the wider region. 'Bringing students to 'Te Tangi a te Tūī' will not only deepen their understanding of te ao Māori but also provide them with a unique perspective on physical theatre and cultural expression. 'It's an exciting way to celebrate and promote the arts, and a chance to witness a show created with children and teenagers in mind,' The Dust Palace's community engagement co-ordinator, Maioha Allen, said. For more information, join the waitlist or visit Limited presale tickets are available from Thursday, May 1. General sales begin on Monday, May 19. – Supplied content
