Inaugural Maori culture festival celebrates Maoritanga

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 565, 6 December 1994, Page 3

Inaugural Maori culture festival celebrates Maoritanga

Schools to host the Maori culture festival in the future will have a high standard to match that set by festival organiser and co-ordinator Colleen Hanson. Friday 2 December saw Raetihi School host the firstever festival in this region, bringing together people from Ngati Rangi, Ngati Kura, Ngati Waikarapu and Otaihape to celebrate and promote Te Reo Me Ona Tikanga Maori. The festival opened with powhiri at 9. 1 5am to formalise the occasion. Raetihi Maori Culture club welcomed visiting schools, parents and locals gathered at the gates on to the school grounds. The host Whaikorero speakers Mark Cribb and Grant Fountain (principal) were responded to by Mathew Mareikura (Maungorongo Marae) and John Waihi (Pipiriki Marae). The Karanga was performed by Buddy Hawira (host) and returned by Biddy Mareikura (Maungorongo). The eight schools and Kohanga Reos involved were Te Aroha Te Kohanga Reo (Ohakune), Ngamatea school, Te Puawai te Kakano (Taihape), Ngati Venuku Tuatahi Te Kohanga Reo, Te Matariki Te Kohanga Reo (Kakatahi), Ohakune, Pipiriki School and Mo te Whanau Te Kohanga Reo (Raetihi). Each school group had a 10-minute time slot to perform on stage amongst colourful backdrops in the grand marquee. Performances varied from haka, pois, waiataranga, taiaha to narrative drama. Ngamatea School acted out the touching myth of Papatuanuhu and Ranginui separation by their mokopuna, dressed in colourfully printed cloaks and wielding meres. Te Puawai o Te Kakano performed a taiaha with deft movements of hands, feet and bodies.

All entrants received a certificate of participation. Runners to call each performance on stage helped the festival move along smoothly. Although initially there were a few teething problems the sound and lighting effects accomplished a professional air, all recorded on video. The support of the whanau in mammoth food preparations and running the BBQ and haangi ensured folks didn't go hungry as plates were piled high with typical fare. At 2pm the closing ceremony Te Whakamutunga o te ra put an end to a tremendous organisational feat. It is hoped this Maori culture festival will serve as a catalyst to more of the same in the following years according to Raetihi principal Grant Fountain.

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Te Puawai o Te Kakano perform a taiaha with deft movements of hands, feet and bodies.