Hello all and Welcome to this edition of Robert's Tiki Tour!!!

~ Well this took place on Sunday March 8th, 2015 in Christchurch, New Zealand!!! :)

This was an amazing adventure, it surely gave me an amazing Cultural experience!
The weather for today was forecasted as rainy so everyone I asked decided not to go, but thanks to my amazing RA Dalia, she gave me a lift to and from Hagley Park, so Robert was able to go partake in this amazing event that happens only every other year!
And would you know it, the weather turned out beautiful!!! :)

But first what is this event I went to......
Please Indulge....

Kapa Haka

Kapa haka is commonly used to describe a modern day performance of traditional and contemporary adaptations of Māori waiata, mōteatea, poi and haka.

Kapa haka is an avenue for Māori people to express their language, culture and heritage through song and dance. It occurs in both informal and formal settings - on marae and sports fields, at iwi, Māori, hapū and whānau events, in schools and education organisations, in community and business settings, and at kapa haka shows, events and competitions.

Kapa haka can be competitive or non-competitive. It can be performed by any number of people, men and women, young and old.
Music for kapa haka is primarily vocal and sung in te reo Māori (Māori language). The musical instruments generally used in kapa haka are the guitar, the pūtātara (conch shell), the sound of the poi and rākau and body percussion.

~ A competitive Kapa Haka performance is made up of several disciplines ~

WAIATA TIRA

Group dynamic singing, example being chorals and hymns.

WHAKAEKE

A choreographed entrance onto the performance area. Can be used to announce the arrival of the group; pay respects to the host or other groups performing, comment on a social issue of the day, or commemorate an individual or element of Māoridom.

MŌTEATEA

Usually traditional chants or dirges, although contemporary compositions are growing. Mōteatea come in a variety of forms, including laments, lullabies and songs about revenge, anger and love.

WAIATA-Ā-RINGA

Typically referred to as “action songs”, where arm and hand movements particularly the wiri (trembling of hands), the face, the eyes, and the body combine to bring form to the words being sung.

POI

Involves the twirling of a ball or balls attached to a length of cord in rhythm to sung accompaniment. The poi originates from the pre-colonial practice of training with poi to improve agility in battle. Today poi is used to showcase the grace, beauty and allure of the women.

HAKA

The war dance or challenge - an aspect of Māori culture that has become a world renowned expression of New Zealand identity. Modern day haka are vocal performances, involving aggressive or challenging facial expressions, body movements and demeanor.

WHAKAWĀTEA
A choreographed exit off the performance area. Used to farewell the audience or make a final point before departing.