Music in Cathedral Square Celebrates Maori Language Week
23 July 2003
Free Friday Lunchtime Concert Friday July 25th, 12.15 to 1.15pm, Cathedral
Square.
This Friday lunchtime will see three performances in Cathedral Square, each
unique in their own way, but together celebrating the importance of Maori
language and acknowledging Maori Language Week from 27 July to August 3rd.
Students from total immersion school Te Kura Whakapumau are taught
the New Zealand curriculum in a Maori language environment. The
school caters to students aged 5 to 17 years, and on Friday children aged
9 to 13 years
will demonstrate Waiata and chanting in a Kapa Haka performance
accompanied by acoustic guitar.
Merita Waitoa, a senior teacher at the school, says her students
come from a Kohanga Reo environment and are accustomed to speaking
Maori.
"
It’s an everyday thing for us, " she says, " but it’s
great to have it acknowledged nationally and to celebrate it. We
notice that children have a greater respect for elders and are more confident
in their
day to day lives. Consequently they are well prepared to walk in
both worlds."
Sheree Waitoa joins the celebration performing her original songs which
all feature on the new album ‘Waha Ngo Wawata’, which translated
means Speaking Your Mind.
Sheree is indeed sharing her own personal experiences and emotions
in songs which were co-written with her sister and brother Joseph,
who will accompany her onstage with rapping. Her music is influenced by
reggae, R & B,
and Hip Hop and is available for sale on www.maorimusic.
Te Huaki Puanaki completes Friday’s programme. He has been playing
his brand of Hip Hop, reggae, jazz and pacific sounds for about 5 years,
and he describes his music as ‘catering to young and old’. He
likes to play a wide range of styles, from 60’s favourites, and modern
interpretations, through to songs in Maori.
Huaki grew up in a supportive environment, with parents keenly
interested in all things musical. He plays original compositions
as well as covers, and has performed at many community events,
and even as far away
as Singapore. He has also produced a 14 track CD.
The Free Friday Lunchtime Concert series is proudly presented
by Christchurch City Council Leisure.
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