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New research done for the Ministry of Culture and Heritage has confirmed kapa haka contributes to New Zealand's national identity, to positive health and educational outcomes, and to economic wellbeing.
Darrin Apanui from Te Matatini says the report Nga Hua A Tane Rore from Waikato University's Te Kotahi Research Institute should help with future funding and support.
He says it will help future researchers put hard figures on what had previously been anecdotal claims about the benefits of Maori performing arts.
Major kapa haka competitions can cost roopu more than $100,000 each to participate, as well as thousands of hours of volunteer time, and they generate millions of dollars in economic activity for the host regions.
It also has an international impact.
"We believe kapa haka is the most unique cultural identifier to New Zealand and whenever you are overseas, if you see some form of haka, we automatically gravitate to the fact we are from New Zealand. Our uniqueness is in that, so therefore we have a responsibilty to be able to showcase that properly and to say to the world we are from New Zealand, we are Maori and we are proud of what we do," Mr Apanui says.
Kapa haka also has a critical role in the retention of te reo Maori, because it gives people a reason and focus for learning.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH DARRIN APANUI CLICK ON THE LINK
https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MjQ2NDg=
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