June 27, 2024
Te Papa stage set for Taikura fest
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More than 750 kaihaka will take to the stage at Te Papa Tongarewa this weekend for the annual Taikura Kapa Haka festival celebrating and kapa haka and kaumātua.
Bill Nathan from Ngati Poneke, who has performed at every Taikura event since it started in 2005 as part of Te Matatini in Palmerston North, says it’s a chance for the kaumatua to put their own mortality aside and just enjoy the moment.
He says kapa haka is a great physical acivity for the over-55s.
Each of the 24 regional and marae-based rōpū will perform 15-minute routines, including poi, haka, and waiata.
Taikura refers to the aged rings being the heart of the tōtara tree, and in the context of the festival, relates to kaumātua being the heart and soul of the people.
Te Papa kaihautū Arapata Hakiwai, says Taikura is a highlight of the Museum’s annual calendar, and reaches a global audience through the livestream.
He says it embodies the Matariki values of noho tahi (coming together), kotahitanga (unity), whakanui (celebration), tohatohatanga (sharing) and whanaungatanga (kinship).
Aunty Mabel Wharekawa-Burt and Kawe Roes will MC the free festival in Te Papa’s Soundings Theatre and Wellington Foyer on Saturday and Sunday.