The Hon Tariana Turia
Maori Party Co-Leader

29 August 2011

Co-Leader Supports Otautahi and Its Songbirds

In the week leading up to the first anniversary since the magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit Christchurch, Mrs Turia is visiting Christchurch today spending time with the communities and in particular those collective providers associated with Whanau Ora.

“I want to tell people how moved I was this morning, especially after reading about the upcoming release of songs that commemorate and celebrate the human spirit. Christchurch artist Te Huaki Puanaki is releasing three songs this Saturday which speak of the remarkable resilience demonstrated throughout Otautahi, as the people have endured a year from hell".

“Te Huaki is a remarkable talent and it demonstrates true leadership to be using these experiences that people have had in Otautahi as the force of his inspiration” said Mrs Turia, “Mind you, he has also been blessed with the support of a wonderful whanau, with his father Willie and mother Tihi, alongside him every step of the journey".

"The Puanaki whanau are in the spotlight again for their composition and singing as next week on the 7th of September, Tihi will be awarded the prestigious "Keeper of Traditions" Award at the National Waiata Maori Music Awards in Hastings”.

“The icon award recognizes Tihi’s passionate dedication to waiata and kapa haka, spanning over four decades of leadership. Tihi is a skilful composer, a dynamic tutor, an inspirational teacher, a beautiful performer and an articulate and forceful advocate for te reo me ona tikanga”.

“The Maori Party stands to salute Tihi; to congratulate Te Huaki and to pay tribute to the people of Christchurch who all give us so much reason to be proud”.

ENDS

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