New Zealand Post And Kiwibank Support Kapa Haka

Media release from Te Matatini Society Inc

New Zealand Post And Kiwibank Support Kapa Haka

Two uniquely New Zealand institutions, New Zealand Post and Kiwibank, have become strategic partners with Te Matatini Society to support the uniquely Māori performance art of kapa haka.

Te Matatini Society Executive Director Darrin Apanui today welcomed the partnership with New Zealand Post and Kiwibank.

“A strong partnership with Kiwi brands that are ubiquitous throughout the country will help support and promote kapa haka in regional and local areas,” Mr Apanui said

“New Zealand Post has been an active contributor to the Te Matatini biennial world championship festival for some years, and the addition of Kiwibank further strengthens the relationship with Te Matatini.

“Sponsorship from public and private organisations is essential for us to ensure that kapa haka is showcased every two years at the national kapa haka festival – the next of which will be held in Rotorua from 20–24 February 2013,” Darrin Apanui said.

New Zealand Post’s head of sponsorship, Nicola Airey, says that national festival brings together the very best teams to compete for the title of best kapa haka team in the world.

“We’re pleased to welcome Kiwibank into the partnership. Our combined support will enable us to become strategic, year-round partners of Te Matatini, as well as being a major supporter of the national festivals.

“Kapa Haka is unique to New Zealand so it fits perfectly with our two iconic Kiwi organisations – New Zealand Post and Kiwibank. Working together at a strategic level will enable the growth of kapa haka nationally, both in terms of participation and awareness,” Nicola Airey said.

Te Matatini is responsible for fostering, developing and protecting traditional Māori performing arts throughout Aotearoa. In 2013 it will celebrate its 40th year hosting the biennial national kapa haka competition. An incorporated society, Te Matatini is able to promote kapa haka through sponsorship from the Ministry for Culture and Heritage and Te Puni Kokiri.

In addition to New Zealand Post and Kiwibank, other strategic partners for the upcoming festival include the University of Waikato, New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, and Te Wananga o Aotearoa.

More than 25,000 people are expected to attend the Rotorua festival. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.co.nz or through Te Matatini www.tematatini.co.nz

ENDS

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