Copyright concerns
Continuing concerns over collective artistic copyrights and archiving
A forum on Maori music making in March at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, New Plymouth, took place as part of the Toi Maori Festival. This forum discussed the ways in which composers can retain intellectual copyright over their work.
Current copyright law acknowledges individual creative ownership or joint ownership. However, in the case of traditional works there is no option for collective ownership as with iwi, whanau or hapu.
Concern was also voiced regarding archives. Such collections need to be accessible, and many are currently difficult to locate and access. Puatatangi is looking at ways to improve this situation.
'Te Haka a Tanerore' attracted 150 to most sessions, with a live broadcast increasing the audience by an estimated 2000 listeners. The array of speakers kept the audience entertained, and the diversity of presentation styles and audience response kept the gathering at a high energy level throughout.
New Zealand Film Archive presenter Lawrence Wharerau fronted a marvelous selection of moving images of the haka that spanned just under 100 years. Popular presenters were Wi Kuki Kaa, Pou Temara, Hone Sadler, Piri Sciascia and Ngapo Wehi.
Event organisers Te Ripowai Higgins and Hirini Melbourne were pleased with the outcomes of the gathering. The presentation by Hone Sadler of Taitokerau ended with the invitation for the gathering to travel to Northland in 2002 to present a series of speakers on the art of poi.
(Taranaki 2001)