South Island

Whakatokia the youngest in membership of participating teams was set up in response to strong support from parents in and around the Aranui area. Tihi Puanaki a prominent Maori language teacher at Te Whanau o Aranui has been instrumental in the conception of this group. Based at Aranui High School, Whakatokia plays an integral role in the fostering of Te Reo me ona Tikanga through Maori performance. The passion to extend knowledge and share understanding can be seen in every performance. As well as providing support and strengthening an understanding of Te Ao Maori within the school, the community as a whole has benefited from the extensive involvement of Whakatokia. Whakatokia is proud to have supported Waitaha Cultural Council and work diligently to ensure the ongoing success of Maori performing arts for the betterment of tamariki, rangatahi and whanau.

In 1981, men from the Albion Rugby Club and women from the Ngati Moke Netball Club joined together as a cultural group to enter the annual Albion talent quest. The ‘wairua' from that first performance was overwhelming and thus the beginning of Nga Potiki Ki Waitaha, (affectionately known as the ‘Young Ones’, aka ‘Nga Pots’). The club promoted all aspects of tikanga Maori through the vehicle of Waiata, poi and haka. In it’s first competitive years the club was under the slick and sharp tutorship of Pita Peawini, with the late Noko Taylor (a founding member) taking over the reins in 1988. The late Jock Tuari bought experience and a vast knowledge to the club. Although many members have come and gone, there is always the presence of whanau, camaraderie and kinship and the memories of those that have passed on.

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.

Te Herenga Waka is the name of the Marae based at Victoria University of Wellington, and is the home of the group Te Kapa Haka o Te Herenga Waka. ...

Nga Tai E Rua Culture Group is a community based Maori performing arts group, centered in Christchurch since 1987. We aim for high standards at our stage performances, our personal workplaces and schooling. Our membership spans all ages and we have a dedication to educate in the disciplines of Maori performing arts with a focus in 2006 on senior competition. Attendance at wananga to further skills and knowledge is encouraged. Nga Tai E Rua achieves leadership, self-esteem, self-motivation, healthy lifestyle and moral concepts for its members by supporting their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

In existence for excess of 20 years and affiliated to Waitaha Cultural Council for the same length of time, Nga Peka Matauranga O Waitaha deliver programmes of Te Reo; Tikanga; Maori Performing Arts; Mau Rakau; University studies to adult learners within the community, and all Corrections Department residential institutions within Waitaha. Over the years many students have progressed onto positive pathways of higher education and employment after studying at Nga Peka Matauranga O Waitaha. Nga Peka Matauranga O Waitaha support the community and are involved in may performances and activities to further enhance the growth of Te Reo me ona Tikanga. Students and staff have always supported Waitaha Council and are proud to be a part of Nga-pakihi-whakatekateka-o-Waitaha cultural Council, and wish them all the best for the future.

Mareikura is a community based Maori performing arts group established in May 2004. Whilst the focus of Mareikura is traditional Maori performing arts, a typical year always includes a series of social development wananga for young people, a production and a performing arts tour. Mareikura is taught and managed by a dedicated team of performers and supporters. The senior members are co-tutored by Nikora Nitro and Kaperiere Hogan whilst the intermediate and junior members are co-tutored by Jahmaine Cummings and Ana Buchanan. Members are brought together by a common desire to retain, maintain and enjoy Maori performing arts. Mareikura’s maiden performance at the Waitaha Regional Senior Competitions in 2004 gained them 3rd place overall. Shortly after the Senior Regionals the Mareikura intermediates entered the Te Waipounamu competitions that were held in Invercargill. This performance gained 1st place overall. Members consist of every major iwi from Aotearoa. Mareikura is an example of all iwi coming together to share a common vision for the development and promotion of Maoridom. Mareikura looks forward to a fruitful and prosperous future.

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Former students of the Maori Boarding Colleges formed Te Ahikararoa Kapa Haka Inc. Soc. in 1993. Initially established to keep alive the Matauranga they had learnt at the colleges, the founding members expanded the membership to include those who were committed in keeping our taonga tuku iho alive for coming generations. In doing this Te Ahikaaroa quickly developed into a more dynamic and versatile performing group. Boasting members from nearly every tribal affiliation, Te Ahikaaroa still remains a very strong whanau orientated group. Over the years, Te Ahikaaroa has moved from a whakangahau group to an exciting and vibrant competition team, entering the national competition arena in 2000. The most recent competition held at Palmerston North in 2005 saw Te Ahikaaroa win 1st place in the kakahu section. Te Ahikaaroa remained true to their original vision of ‘preserving and fostering the knowledge they had attained collectively and individually’ and in 2002 not only opened their own ‘Early Childcare facility but also officially launched our junior roopu – Te Ahikaaroa Matatahi and Noku Te Ao. Te Ahikaaroa is ensuring that the flame within us all will continue to burn for many years to come.