Te Matatini
Tuesday, 20 February 2007
Every two years, hundreds of polished performers and thousands of very vocal supporters flock to Te Matatini - New Zealand’s national Māori performing arts competition.
The festival was named Te Matatini by highly regarded Māori academic Professor Wharehuia Milroy and literally means ‘the many faces’.
‘Māori performing arts bring together people of all ages, all backgrounds, all beliefs, Māori and non Māori alike, participants and observers. When I look at those performing I see many faces, young and old - Te Matatini’ explains Professor Milroy.
The national competition, a highlight of the Māori cultural events calendar, was inaugurated in 1972 and was last held in Palmerston North in 2005. Over four days, an audience of approximately 35,000 experienced the best Māori performing art New Zealand has to offer. From the synchronised, elegant movements of the women performing the poi to the unrestrained ferocity of the male haka (war dance) - Te Matatini is a spectacle like no other.
From 22 - 25 February 2007, Arena Manawatu in Palmerston North will again host Te Matatini and the cream of the nation’s kapa haka (Māori performing art) talent.
The opportunity to compete in Te Matatini is not by right and an appearance at the national competition is often the culmination of two years of unrelenting commitment, dedication and hard work. Other commitments - sporting, work or even family may be sacrificed as the group focuses all energy into learning, perfecting and polishing a 25 minute routine for Te Matatini.
The journey to Palmerston North begins in the regions as groups battle in fierce competition to represent their respective rohe (regions) at Te Matatini. Only the finest from each of the 13 member rohe of the Te Matatini Society are selected to attend the national competition.
Te Matatini is an all encompassing festival of both the contemporary and the traditional. While kapa haka is the most significant component - other traditional art forms such as oratory, carving, weaving and tā moko (Māori tattoo) are combine with contemporary Māori drama, poetry and fine art to create an authentic insight into Māori culture.
cost: daily gates sales $25 plus three day, family and children’s concessions. Book at Ticket Direct
dates: Thu 22 Feb 07 - Sun 25 Feb 07, every day, 10:00am - 9:00pm
venue: Arena Manawatu, Pascal St, Palmerston North
More information on the official Te Matatini website: http://www.tematatini.org.nz/
