February 12, 2015
Huata led Maori into world stage
Entertainer Mika says Maori performing arts champion Tama Huata paved the way for others to follow.
Mr Huata died on Wednesday at his home near Napier. He was 64.
Mika says as the founder of Takitimu Performing Arts School and its associated Kahurangi Maori Dance Company, Mr Huata touched the lives of thousands of young people as a teacher and mentor.
Mika, spent time in New York last year with a section of the Kahurangi, which travels the world sharing Maori culture and stories.
" I remember at the time thinking, my gosh, this man has single handedly done what I think government and all sorts of people have tried to do for years. Hes actually managed to keep something beautiful, traditional and contemporary and take it around the world in his own terms. And the thing I will always remember about Tama is that he did it all on his own terms.That's something that inspires me. People that take the step for others to follow " he says.
Tama Huata is being taken from Waipatu to Mihiroa Marae in Pakipaki this morning, where he will lie until his funeral service at 11am on Sunday.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH MIKA CLICK ON THE LINK
http://www.waateanews.com/play_podcast?podlink=MjYyOTM=
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