Maori Writers Weave Together Words and Stories
Toi Maori Aotearoa
Press Release 16 March 2007
Wowing audiences with entertaining and stunning performances of poetry, fiction, and storytelling, 'On the Bus - Contemporary Maori Writers on Tour' travels each year to a different region of New Zealand.
This year, 'On the Bus' tours to Christchurch, with special performances alongside 'The Eternal Thread' Maori weaving exhibition at Christchurch Art Gallery.
During 28 - 30 March, Hinemoana Baker (Best New Zealand Poems 2004), James George (2007 Buddle Findlay Sargeson Fellow), Kelly Ana Morey (Inaugural Janet Frame Literary Award 2005) and Apirana Taylor (Kohanga , voted play of the year, Dominion and Evening Post) will be visiting local schools, as well as giving public performances at Christchurch Art Gallery, Canterbury University and Christchurch Central Library.
'On the Bus' is a great way to catch hot writing talent and find out more about Maori literature and the people behind the stories.
"It will be a special occasion to read from our work, surrounded by the taonga (treasures) and weaving artworks that are in The Eternal Thread exhibition" says James George.
"It's also a great chance for us to perform brand-new work from our novels, poetry and stories to the Christchurch audience , well-known for their support of New Zealand literature" he adds.
Updated touring itinerary:
Thursday 29 March
1pm & 2pm - University of Canterbury (A8 Room)
4pm , Christchurch Central City Library (2nd Floor, Nga Pounamu Maori Centre)
Friday 30 March
11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm - Christchurch Art Gallery
5.30pm - Madras Café and Books (165 Madras Street)
This event is presented by Te Ha and Nga Pou Kaituhi Maori committees, and receives funding from Te Waka Toi, the Maori Arts Board of Creative New Zealand. For a full programme and event updates, visit: http://www.maoriart.org.nz/events