He Awhi Tikanga
Protocol within the Arts
This committee is concerned with the retention of tikanga (protocol) as it relates to Maori art.
Committee Members:
Joe Harawira (Huntly)
Tepene Mamaku (Te Teko)
Te Kahautu Maxwell (Hamilton)
Riki Pitama (Christchurch)
Dr Khyla Russell (Dunedin)
Katerina Waiari (Edgecumbe)
Wharehoka Wano (New Plymouth)
Established in 1988 to encourage the development in the performing arts, the committee shifted its focus in 1992 to encourage the emphasis on creativity and strength of the arts as they related to the marae.
The karanga, whaikorero, waiata and karakia were the most obvious expressions, however all types of creative activity in and around the marae were seen as worthy of development and promotion.
A number of national and regional hui have enabled marae to discuss with resource people the form, purpose and meaning of what is seen as ceremonial interaction on the marae.
National hui in Kawhia, Te Teko and Otamatea brought together resource people who spoke on their experiences and understandings of particular protocols. Representatives from marae could compare what was the current tikanga on their various marae and see those in relation to other practices across the country.
In January 2003, during the Toi Maori Festival in Christchurch, He Awhi Tikanga gathered resource people to discuss the arts on marae. In preparation for this a series of regional hui have been convened to build a comprehensive network of people keen to study and practise the marae arts at their highest level.
He Awhi offers its members and resource people to assist in workshops and wananga on marae.
Click here for the latest committee news and arts updates.
This page was updated on 4 October 2004