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August 19, 2022
Whanganui a Tara to celebrate te reo Maori
Gideon Porter
Posted On August 19, 2022
Download AudioWellington is going arty for next month’s Māori Language week.
Wellington City Council has partnered with Taranaki Whānui, Ngāti Toa Rangatira and arts organiser Tawhiri to present Te Hui Ahurei Reo Māori o Te Whanganui a Tara, the Wellington Māori Language Festival.
The programme includes the country’s top kapa haka, Rutene Spooner’s Thoroughly Modern Maui cabaret show, readings of children’s books in te reo backed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and Te Pae, a multi-sensory experience bringing together artforms and top artists including Troy Kingi, Horomona Horo, Maisey Rika, and Ria Hall. .
Tawhiri Māori arts co-ordinator Mere Boynton says there will be a ceremony at the National Library to open an exhibition of the 30-thousand signature Māori Language Petition from 1972.
“It will be a wonderful experience to actually be there with mana whenua to pen that space,” she says.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will also hold a function to talk about the petition and the renaissance of Te Reo Māori.
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