26 June/Piripi 2006
Hinewehi Mohi named Matariki ‘star’of 2006
Hinewehi Mohi has been named Matariki -Whetu o Te Tau, or star of the year, by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori – the Maori Language Commission.
Te Taura Whiri Chief Executive Haami Piripi says Hinewehi was chosen because she exemplifies the spirit of Matariki.
”Te Whetu o Tau has to reflect the qualities and the culture of Matariki as a foundation for developing emotional, spiritual and physical well-being,” says Haami.
In the tradition of the award, and philosophy of takoha or giving, Hinewehi has recorded a Matariki waiata. A music video has also been created, supported by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori, Te Mangai Paho, NZ on Air and Maori Television.
A CD single of the waiata was included in a gift pack of Matariki and Maori language material for all participants at a gala Matariki event in Auckland on Saturday night (24 June 2006).
“Hinewehi will be remembered for raising the status of reo Maori and taking it to the international stage when she performed the Mäori version only of the New Zealand national anthem at Twickenham in 1999. The performance was a courageous defining moment, which in its wake has widened the linguistic boundary for this country’s indigenous language,” says Haami.
Minister of Maori Affairs, Hon Parekura Horomia says the place of reo Maori in its own right as a cultural icon of New Zealand’s identity requires courage to push out boundaries and inspire New Zealanders to new heights of cultural respect and diversity.
“Hinewehi has cultural integrity and a political commitment to regenerate language and culture as a positive aspect of our Aotearoa New Zealand identity”, the Minister says.
This is the second time the Whetu o Te Tau has been awarded. Artist Diane Prince was the inaugural recipient in 2005 and contributed something of herself to last year’s Matariki celebration in the form of an artwork.
For more information contact:
Lana Simmons-Donaldson, Maori Language Commission
04 4716 724 , 0274 574 551 , lana@tetaurawhiri.govt.nz