Kapa Haka delegation to feature at Olympic awards

Kapa Haka delegation to feature at Olympic awards

Te Matatini Kapa Haka, Aotearoa, New Zealand will represent New Zealand at the inaugural Association of National Olympic Committees Gala awards to be held November 7.

Twelve kai-haka will perform a custom made bracket to hundreds of international attendees that will be telecast at an inaugural awards function held in Bangkok, Thailand.

The occasion will be televised throughout Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Members will represent the Oceania region and come from award winning groups Te Waka Huia, Te Mātārae i Ōrehu, Te Iti Kahurangi, Tū Te Manawa Maurea and Tūhourangi – Ngāti Wāhiao. For many it will be the first time that they have come together as one group for such an occasion.

Creative Director Annette Wehi says the performance bracket is reminiscent of the region they represent.

“The bracket is called, ‘Navigating Oceania’ and centres on the narratives about different encounters that our ancestors overcame as they crossed the Pacific waters.”

Te Matatini Executive Director Darrin Apanui believes that is the perfect stage to promote the best of Kapa Haka, at an occasion that recognises excellence in a chosen discipline.

“The awards celebrate the outstanding efforts of the world’s best athletes who are at the pinnacle of their sporting success. Our delegation too, comprises members who are regarded as the being amongst the world’s elite in the Māori performing arts.”

The Association of National Olympic Committees Gala awards recognise some of the world’s best athletes from the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London and the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.

Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival 2015 will be held in Christchurch, Ōtautahi, March 4 – 8. Festival early-bird ticket prices are available at www.tematatini.co.nz, these expire midnight 31 December 2014.

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