January 23, 2018
Top artists for Tamaki Herenga Waka Fest
An organiser of the third Tamaki Herenga Waka Festival says it aims to up the ante around the art and fashion that will be on display.
This weekend level two of the Viaduct Events Centre on Auckland’s waterfront will be dedicated to contemporary Maori creative arts, showcasing everything from sculpture, carving and weaving, to fashion design, multi-media and digital arts from more than 40 artists.
They include Charlotte Graham and Emily Karaka, who will give talks and workshops, Tame Iti, Lawrence Makoare, Rosanna Raymond, Tracey Tawhiao and many others.
Hauauru Rawiri from Ngati Paoa, who chairs the mana whenua organising committee, says there’s also waka demonstrations and workshops, music, and wide range of kai for sale.
He says going by past festivals a wide range of visitors is expected, including many from the two cruise ships that will be in town over Auckland Anniversary weekend.
"A lot of times we think it's just for Maori but it's actually for all people. Our view is this festival will create a platform for all nations and considering we have over 170 ethnicities in Auckland, why not be there and why not be a part of this," Mr Rawiri says.
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