Maori Wardens are planning to attend the Kapa Haka Nationals. It will be our first event and we will be available for a korero on the day. For those of you who are looking for more info on the event we have the following media release from Ngā Kapa Taumata Teitei
Māori Performing Arts Australia Inc.
Ngā Kapa Taumata Teitei
Māori Performing Arts Australia Inc.
Australian Kapa Haka 2014
PURPOSE STATEMENT
“To foster, develop and encourage greater community integration of traditional
Māori Performing Arts in the pursuit of excellence in Australia”
Ngā Kapa Taumata Teitei Māori Performing Arts Australia (NKTT), the peak body for Māori Performing Arts in Australia is pleased to officially confirm that the 5th Australian National Kapa Haka qualifying festival will be held in Sydney at the Whitlam Leisure Centre Stadium, 90A Memorial Drive, Liverpool, NSW 2170 on
Saturday, 15 March 2014.
A traditional Māori welcome will be held for all the groups, performers, supporters, distinguished guests, overseas visitors and the general public on Friday,14 March 2014. A traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony and welcome to country will be a part of this opening ceremony.
Kapa Haka (Māori performing arts) groups will travel from WA, VIC, NSW, QLD and the ACT to attend. The groups will be vying for the right to represent their State and Australia at the prestigious Te Matatini 2015 (Many Faces) New Zealand National Festival. It will be hosted by the Waitaha rohe (region), at Hagley Park North, Otautahi (Christchurch), New Zealand on 4-8 March 2015.
Isaac Cotter, the Chairman of NKTT, said “All the State Delegates and the States are looking forward to the challenge to make NKTT 2014 in Sydney a great success and bigger and better than the previous festivals.”
He said “We are looking forward to promoting NSW and Sydney and inviting everyone from far and wide to come and experience an awesome festival where Māori Performing Arts in Australia will be showcased at its best.”
The festival is held every two years in Australia, with the first being held in Sydney in 2006, Melbourne in 2008, and Canberra in 2010 and 2012.
Media inquiries can be made by contacting the Chairman or the respective NKTT State delegates below.
Isaac Cotter, NKTT Chairman – 0403 364 428
Ronnie Peita, NKTT Kaumatua (Elder) – (02) 6299 5914
Lucy Martin – 0413 838 812
Tiaki (Jack) Rukuata, WA Delegate – 0432 18 195
Tina Harris, QLD Delegate – 0433 706 150
Reuben Matene, VIC Delegate – (03) 9364 3680
Ripeka Biddle-Tumai, Minute Secretary – 0422 693 536