Manaia Maori Culture Interview
Maori Performing Arts Company put on a fantastic performance at the recent Austravel LIVE shows. Dressed in traditional costume and facial 'taamoko' tattoos, they held workshops for those culture vultures eager to learn the words, the actions and the explanation behind the spectacular haka 'Ka Mate'. Here we caught up with Karl who runs Manaia and learnt about his passion for sharing Maori culture...
Q: What do you enjoy most about sharing the Maori culture and teaching the traditions with others through professional performances?
A: I enjoy the opportunity to share the special things that have been taught to us by our elders that have relevance to all in the world, wherever they may be, that give people another insight into how we may perceive the world, and our relationship to the environment and others.
Q: What makes the Maori Culture unique?
A: We have our own world view, and while it is an old view, it still embraces the world in its current manifestation. We have a close connection to nature through the earth mother Papatuanuku and sky father Ranginui, and as such we see ourselves as interconnected with the universe, the environment, animals, plants and people. This is reflected in the uniqueness of our art and design, performing arts and dance and the way we relate to each other.
Q: What can people in the UK learn from the Maori Culture?
A: To let go of inhibitions that prevent us from acknowledging the taha wairua, or the spiritual side we all bring with us, our cultural and historical differences. That being different and having another view is something to be appreciated and valued.
Q: What can people expect from a trip to New Zealand?
A: Wonderful, scenery, relaxed time and hopefully a chance to meet some hardy and hearty people who are willing to share their lives with visitors.
Q: Where is the best place to experience Maori Culture in New Zealand?
A: Maori culture is everywhere, but to experience it in a fuller sense will require a bit of looking and luck. Maori are used to having to live in the city and living in a way where their cultural identity is not expected to be brought to the fore. However, if you have an opportunity to spend time with Maori, ask them about their culture, their tribe, where they come from, do they have a marae. You will get a myriad of responses as all of us have a different view and upbringing and therefore understanding of our culture. It is important of course not to be presumptuous or expressing assumptions based on limited information (or misinformation) you may have received while in the UK or elsewhere.
Q: What is the significance of the Haka?
A: The haka is a style of dance. There are many haka, thousands that have been composed for all sorts of reasons. A haka will tell a story or it expresses a view through words, body actions, facial expressions, voice. The whole body is involved. It sometimes was performed as a war dance, sometimes to welcome and entertain, or perhaps to farewell someone. It is about commitment, passion, and intimidation. The haka "Ka mate", the most well known haka performed by the All Blacks before a rugby test was composed by Te Rauparaha and is a celebration of Te Rauparaha overcoming adversity, the prospect of dying at the hands of enemies.
