July 14, 2020
COVID caution nixes live kaumātua kapa haka
Te Papa has been forced to take its popular kaumātua kapa haka showcase online.
Taikura Kapa Haka has become a staple of the national museum's Matariki celebrations, drawing kaumātua from all over the country to show they can still swing a poi.
Museum kaihautū Arapata Hakiwai says this year the groups will choose video highlights of previous performance which will be streamed with introductions by the performers.
He says the decision to halt the physical celebration was made early in lockdown.
"The events that have happened and the world is still going through that but it makes you really appreciate and realise how important our old people are. We must treasure them, we must look after them. This is one way. It is one of the most important kaupapa in our matariki celebrations and it is a way of continuing that celebration for Taikura," Dr Hakiwai says.
The event will premiere on Te Papa's Facebook at 7.00pm this Saturday.
Copyright © 2020, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com