WOMAD

Whangara Mai Tawhiti

From New Zealand

First established in 1961, Whängärä-mai-tawhiti kapa haka group have competed and won countless placings at a national level over the years. The group represents the Ngäti Konohi iwi from Gisborne and boasts a number of seasoned performers. Whängärä-mai take the key elements of kapa haka – strength, grace and unity – and add the sparkle and joy that elevates a good group to an outstanding group of performers.Whängärä is the landing place of the legendary Paikea, who travelled to Aotearoa on the back of a whale. His arrival is commemorated within the walls of Whitireia and Waho-te-rangi meeting houses at Whängärä. The nearby island, Toka-a-rangi, is said to be the final resting place of this tipua and is the burial ground of Paikea, Porourangi, Hinematioro and other renowned ancestors of the Taira¯whiti.For further information visit –www.tangatawhenua.com/rangikainga/2007/issue3.htmwww.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0702/S00327.htm