Te Puia commitment as major sponsor to national kapahaka competition
The iconic cultural tourism centre, the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, Te Puia, announces its commitment as the Pounamu sponsor for the upcoming Te Matatini – national kapahaka competitions which will be held in Tauranga in February 2009.
The announcement was made at the festival launch held in Wellington last week and opened by Prime Minister Helen Clark. Te Puia’s commitment makes them the major sponsor of the festival which will see kapahaka groups compete from around New Zealand.
Speaking of the sponsorship, Te Puia chairman Harry Burkhardt said that there are “obvious synergies between Te Puia and Te Matatini in that both entities operate at a national level with a similar kaupapa being to nurture and develop traditional arts, crafts and culture; of which the performing arts is an integral part.” Mr Burkhardt said that it is also an obvious delight that Te Puia’s sponsorship coincidentally coincides with the return of the Te Arawa kapahaka groups to the competition after a four year absence.
Te Puia chief executive officer, Te Taru White says that in addition to supporting a national stage to showcase Māori performing arts, the festival also presents a wonderful opportunity to support the growing pride and identity in Māori culture. With around a dozen staff at Te Puia participating with the Te Arawa groups, it is an opportunity to celebrate our own people as well as to share the wider message of Te Puia as a leader in the training and development of young Māori in traditional arts, crafts and culture.” Mr White and the board of Te Puia also believe that the festival offers an excellent platform to showcase the new Te Puia as a leader in cultural tourism both at home and on the international stage.
For people wishing to experience performing arts at Te Puia prior to the festival then the newly launched Te Po evening cultural show offers an excellent opportunity to see the Te Puia performers in action as well as enjoying a sumptuous feast and cultural encounter.
8 September 2008
