Te Kaea
Te Whare Puoro Panui 2 October 2006
Tena Koutou Katoa,
Ka tangi te Wharauroa, ko nga karere a Mahuru -
If the shining cuckoo cries it is the messenger of Spring
What a perfect whakatauki to begin this brightening season. The birds have always been valuable teachers that indicate and attune readily to seasonal change. Our tupuna listened and watched them carefully adopting many of their idiosyncrasies for the betterment of their existence. Bird references used in whakatauki, waiata and dance are testaments to their importance and treasured presence, some of which were explored earlier this month at the Karanga Manu Wananga held in Whitianga. So, as we wipe the hibernating sleep from our eyes, let us heed the timeless and knowing songs of the birds and hibernate no more...
One thing that couldn't be accused of being dormant during the winter was the Taonga Puoro. Auckland Museum's Matariki celebrations in June focused on Hine Raukauri, the Goddess of flute Music with lectures, films and concerts. Hine Raukatauri's soulful tune attracted some people for the first time, with many others being re-awakened to her mystique. Regardless of what level of engagement, the year's theme of Taonga Puoro has definitely been set. Many other wananga and events also threaded the sounds and methods of taonga puoro within their Kaupapa, of which some have been reviewed below. I taahuna ahitia.
Many early 1800s Maori newspapers likened themselves to the birds that heralded the news across the motu, with such titles as 'Te Korimako', 'Te Hokioi o Niu Tireni e Rere atu na' and 'Te Pipiwhararoa'. Often they requested that the reading patrons feed the bird to continue sustaining its song for all to hear. As I do now, if you have any events, reviews or requests that you would like included in our next Te Kaea, please forward the details so that your song may be heard far, loud and clear.
Thank-you for your berries of contribution that have kept Te Kaea sounding the Pu of the Taonga Puoro. May the saturated chorus of dawn herald glad tidings of growth and prosperity to you all.
Naku noa, na
Pania Witoko, Kaituhi
Te Whare Puoro
Reviews
Concerto Taonga Puoro Competition
A small eclectic group gathered to compete in this years Concerto Taonga Puoro competition sponsored by Te Puia. It is encouraging to witness increasingly more wahine contributing their sweet sounds every year. Ngawara Gordon in particular amazed and left us spell bound us with her heartfelt performance. However, it was the men that swept the prizes this year. Congratulations going to second time winner James Webster, 2nd Alistair Fraser, 3rd Jason Phillips and was judged by Horomona Horo. Big Mihi to Ngawara Gordon of Hei Tiki Gallery for supporting and hosting the event & Te Puia for their continuing contributions.
Reminder: Plenty of time to start learning your moteatea and compositions for next year's competition. Consider this competition to be a motivating force to keep practicing and develop a deeper intimacy with your instruments. Participants of all playing levels are encouraged to enter.
Karanga Manu Wananga
The latest Te Whare Puoro Wananga specializing in the Karanga Manu, (bird calls and the instruments to lure them) was a great weekend had by all. Not even the changeable weather could stop the birds from singing and sharing their knowledge. All participants went home with a karanga manu and karanga weka. These coupled with a keen ear and pursed lips will no doubt be luring birds soon nationwide.
A concert was held for the local Whitianga and Coromandel community and for many it was their first time experiencing the Taonga Puoro. What better manner to feel their magic than in the hands and on the breathe of some our countries most talented artists Hinewirangi Morgan, Richard Nunns, Aroha Yates-Smith, Rewi Spraggon, Riki Bennett, Justin Kereama and Whitianga's very own local, James Webster.
The workshops (including tuition by Brian Flintoff) and concert was complimented with a special early morning gathering in the ngahere to share stories, moteatea, as well as bird luring techniques in the company of the birds. Hosted by the generous whanau at Ko te Ra Matiti and the community of Whitianga it was a well attended and informative wananga in a particularly spectacular setting. Thank you to all those that were involved and in attendance.
Waitakere Writers Festival
Going West Waitakere Writers Festival saw the usually shy Brian Flintoff talking about the journey of his book, Taonga Puoro- Singing Treasures. With his talented companions Richard Nunns, Rewi Spraggon, Riki Bennett and the beautiful sounds of Andrea Trunks, an enchanting evening in remembrance of Hirini Melbourne was enjoyed by all. It never ceases to astound me that no matter how many times one witness's the passion and breathe displayed by these dedicated gentlemen, one is always able to gain deeper understanding.
Up and coming events...
Pao, Pao, Pao 2006
Where: Wellington's Opera House
When: 17 November 2006.
Four-hour concert featuring the best bilingual Maori artists including Hinewehi Mohi, Ruia, Tuahine, Toni Huata, Wai, Kathy Phillips, DJ Poroufessor, Tohu, Rewi Spraggon and Riki Bennett, Legacy, and Hinemoana Baker.
http://www.maoriart.org.nz/events
National Maori Writing Hui
Tukua- Let's Give it a Go
Where: Mecure Hotel, Wellington.
When: 6-8 October
Keynote Speakers: Witi Itimaera, Professor Hirini Moko Mead, Bill Manhire
There will be a variety of publisher forums and workshops on fiction, films, writing in te reo maori, compositions, poetry, story telling. This event is in association with Te Ha, Nga Pou Kaituhi Maori, Toi Maori & Creative New Zealand. Performances Include: 'On the Bus' performance-James George, Hera Taute, Apirana Taylor, 'Aotearoa' led by Ngahiwi Apanui, Wai (Mina Ripia), and Puatatangi.
http://www.maoriart.org.nz/events/maori_writers_hui
Auckland Taonga Puoro Porowhita
Due to high interest and demand a monthly gathering for taonga puoro players, makers & enthusiasts will gathering in and around Auckland. Such occasions will further explore playing techniques, stories pertaining to taonga puoro, visiting significant places etc. Dates at this times still to be confirmed. All those interested contact Pania at tewharepuoro@yahoo.com for further details.
'Ka tangi te tiieke I te taha katau o te huarahi he marie' - 'If you should hear a saddleback call on the right hand side, you will have good luck.'
Pania Witoko, Kaimahi
Te Whare Puoro
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