Te Matatini National Festival 2005

Te Matatini National Festival 2005

24-27 February 2005

Location: Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North

Premier Maori performing arts event. Te Matatini is a biennial national event.

The festival centers around the ‘Best of the Best’ kapa haka competition. It is about pride, leadership, prestige and excellence. Highly coveted kapa haka prize bestowing great mana. The ‘Oscars’ of Maori performing arts. The competition features 1200 performers from 14 regions, including Australia. 29 groups competing in haka, poi and waiata disciplines.

Performers are dedicated enduring months of preparation. Uniquely NZ event. Also showcases traditional and contemporary fine arts: drama, story telling, oratory, poetry, dance, music, carving in wood and stone, weaving, painting, ceramics. Positive spin-offs for the Tourism industry.

Festival Organisers

Te Matatini Society Incorporated (previously known as Aotearoa Traditional Maori Performing Arts Society). Its main focus is the long-term development of Maori Performance Art. Sponsors Te Matatini is sponsored by Te Manato Taonga – Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

Te Mana is sponsoring all youth programmes Te Taurawhiri – Maori Language Commission is sponsoring the main stage costs and providing on-site bi-lingual announcements live/orally and on-screen Te Wananga o Aotearoa is sponsoring world indigenous artists, Creative NZ – Te Waka Toi has given grants for contemporary Maori artists Pacific Committee has given grants for 5 NZ based Pacific Island projects.

What’s it all about?

Kapa Haka - the heart of the festival. Key themes to explore – defence of title, competition, pride, preparation and anticipation. Defence Wahirere Kapa Haka group (Gisborne), current kapa haka champions and winner of five previous competitions.

Waihirere have represented New Zealand around the world in England, Cuba, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Japan and Palau. Will they win again? Competition Te Waka Huia (Auckland) a popular group with a reputation for creativity and flair. They have held the number one title three times – in 1986, 1992 and 1994.

Te Ropu Manutaki (West Auckland) winner of the Festivals at Whangarei in 1975 and Waitangi in 1990, has gained international recognition for its performing arts and cultural prowess. They are one of only two clubs who have competed in every festival since 1972. 29 groups competing – Contact us for the phone number of your local group. Pride, preparation and anticipation – discuss with your local team as they prepare.

More to see at Te Matatini After the powhiri (welcome) an Opening Pageant showcases 1000 performers before finishing with a stunning pyrotechnic display.

Te Matatini will also include an exciting range of contemporary Maori performance artists. This programme will be confirmed in the New Year and details will be made available on subsequent press releases.

This year for the first time, the festival proudly presents indigenous artists and performers from the Pacific and the Americas. Red Thunder Native Dance Theatre, Calgary, Canada, Toelegu Panpipe Orchestra, Solomon Islands and Ballet Folcloric Kari Kari from Rapanui (Easter Island).

Education activities organised by Te Manawa Museum, Toi Maori, Te Waka Toi and the National Film Archives. Workshops and demonstrations of wood carving, ta moko, weaving, rope plaiting and handgames. A Tribal Marketplace will provide high quality Maori traditional and contemporary handmade and original art for sale. Foodhall with fare from 40 food producers, restaurants, local caterers and wineries. Tickets Red tickets: 0800 000 575 or http://www.redtickets.co.nz Or local Post Shops

ENDS

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