Kiwi performers form alliance in Tainan

TWO New Zealand performing troupes are appearing in an International dance festival in Taiwan.

Whitireia has been performing at such events for many years, and has never met a fellow group from Aotearoa before.

Wellington’s Whitireia Performing Arts and Waikato’s Tamaki-Hauraki “Kowhao Rau” held a ‘He Whakawhanaungatanga’, which is an establishment of kinship.

The event took place in the foyer of National Cheng Kong University, Tainan City, after the Nan Ying International Folklore Festival press conference on Friday.

Whitireia tour director, Tuaine Robati, asked if they could share their song E Hika e Para with their fellow Kiwis.

In return, Kowhao Rau group performed E noho Tuheita.

Both waiata were warmly received by the groups, Robati says the exchange was the first of its kind that Whitireia has ever encountered on tour.

“I felt it was really good to connect with Tamaki-Hauraki as we aim to work united as one country. I feel we achieved that goal.”

The piece performed by Whitireia was a Taonga, gifted as a lament for the passing of former Māori MP Parekura Horomia.

The song was a gift from composers Jason & Debra Ake, and has been taught by Whitireia tutor Kereama Te Ua.