Te Kotahitanga

Title: Te Kotahitanga Category: Christchurch Clicks: 0 Listing added: Aug 15, 2007 PageRank: Not available

An unshakable belief in the power of kapa haka to revive and heal has seen the Waitaha Cultural Council, grow from a dream into a showcase of Maori heritage and culture. The Waitaha region has a strong history of Maori performing arts dating back over forty years. The Waiata Choir, an official concert group, toured Europe in 1934 to entertain King George V and Queen Mary. Nga Pakihi Whakatekateka o Waitaha is rooted in the dreams of its founder, Te Kiato Riwai who believed performance encouraged prosperity. She saw striving for excellence in kapa haka as a way in which Maori could declare their aspirations and hopes for the future. Kapa Haka is a uniquely Maori performing art in which dancing, singing, expression and movement share customs and tell ancient stories. From its first annual festival in 1965, the Waitaha Council has grown into a strong cultural group and actively hosts Maori performing arts festivals in the Canterbury region.

Country:	New Zealand
Postal:	P O Box 9049
Postal Suburb:	Addington
Postal City:	Christchurch
Postal Country:	New Zealand