17 June 2008

Media Release

 

Kapa haka taking reo to the stage 

When the 36 kapa haka take the stage this week for New Zealand’s top secondary school kapa haka competition, te reo Maori will resonate for three whole days. The teams will be competing for top honours at the National Secondary School Maori Performing Arts Competition 2008, 17 – 19 June in Wellington.

“Kapa haka through powerful and exciting performances is a fantastic way to enjoy and celebrate Maori language and culture. It contributes to Maori language being a living and developing language”, says Huhana Rokx, Chief Executive of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori.

“Many great leaders before us saw the potential of song and performance to retain, celebrate and enjoy our Maori language. The late Tuini Ngawai a famous composer wrote more than 200 songs. Under her tutelage, niece Ngoi Pewhairangi also wrote many well known songs, including `E Ipo` and `Poi e‘. They were unrelenting in their work to advance Maori language and culture through song writing and performing“.

“Kapa haka and the fierce competition between teams creates stellar performances and takes our language on local, regional, national and international stages. Kapa haka contributes to te reo Maori being heard, enjoyed and shared. I wish all the teams the very best over the next three days, kia kaha!” says Huhana Rokx.

Ends

Contact:
Nicky Cockburn Birch
021 475 782
nicky@tetaurawhiri.govt.nz