This weekend (28-29 June 2008), provides a rare opportunity for the public to see kaumātua performing original compositions from iconic Māori composers.

Eight kaumātua groups from around the country will be performing at Te Papa in Wellington to close Matariki celebrations. Each group will perform items from an iconic Māori composer such as Kingi Tahiwi, Tuini Ngawai, Te Ari Pitama, Te Puea Herangi and Paraire Tomaona.

Co-ordinator, Puti Mackey says Matariki is a perfect time to celebrate these icons and the contribution of kaumātua to kapa haka.

Puti says most of the performers are in their 70s but some of the performers are in their late 80s and 90s.

“Some of us have been taught by our ‘iconic’ composers, others of us have had ‘a ball’ travelling the world performing kapa haka in our younger days. It’s a great chance for us to reminisce and to share with this generation how we were taught to perform these original compositions.”

Kaumātua Kapa Haka will be open to the public from 11am-4pm on Saturday 28 June and Sunday 29 June 2008 at Te Papa. The performers will also be taking part in a wānanga waiata on the Saturday night and a celebration dinner on the Sunday.

ENDS.