Pao! Pao! Pao! 2002
3rd February 2002 saw the launching of a new music festival celebrating contemporary Maori / Pacific Music & Dance.
Pao! Pao! Pao! 2002, was staged at the the Waikato University's WEL Energy Trust Academy of Performing Arts Centre. It was the first of three such annual gatherings to promote and develop Maori & Pacific Island Music to be programmed by Puatatangi.
The morning began with a series of workshops concentrating on various issues within the music inductry. An array of speakers from funding agencies, film & video production house, managers, promoters and representatives from APRA and The NZ Music Industry Commision delivered impressive forums indicating considerable sophistication in the groups' knowledge of the music industry.
The showcase of music & dance opened with a performace from Te Whare Wananga o Waikato then on to an explosion of acts, exposing audiences and artists of all ages to seven hours of awesome indigenous sounds!
The WEL Academy of Performing Arts Centre provided two theatres which ran simutaneously allowing the 700 people present to roam between each at their own discretion. The concert ran from 4.30pm until 11.00pm that night.
Performances included: From Auckland: Whirimako Black, Nat-Rose Te Hei, From Wellington: Te Kupu, Rhombus & Deva, Toni Huata, & Residue. Te Whare Kura o Huiarau (Ruatahuna), Te Rurehe Rangihau(Ruatahuna), from Hamilton: Jason Norris, Korou, Kiwi Advancement Trust, Tribal Touch, Cornerstone Roots, The T-Sistaz, Toi Iho, Evolution Theory, Native Sons, Mama Said, Katchafire.
Chairperson of Puatatangi, Hirini Melbourne was pleased with the quality of speakers and performers for this inqugural event.
Support from New Zealand Musician. Major support was provided by: Puawananga ki te Ao and Nga Waka Toi. Principal sponsors for this event are: Creative New Zealand through Te Waka Toi and Waikato University. Main sponsors include Auahi Kore, Lion Nathan, New Zealand Music Industry Commission and Te Mangai Paaho.
Pao! Pao! Pao! 2003 will be held in Hamilton in June. (dates to be confirmed)