The Waitaha Cultural Council and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu were thrilled at the whānau turnout at the roadshows around Te Waipounamu last month. The kōrero was all about planning for Te Matatini 2015 and how whānau can get involved.

A second series of road-shows will be arriving in Christchurch, Arowhenua, Ōtākou, Murihiku and Tai Poutini (dates and venues are still to be confirmed), very soon.

The purpose of the roadshows is to discuss how Papatipu Rūnanga and whānau want to engage and participate in the festival.

If you are keen to be involved in any way, there are all sorts of roles for kaimahi in support of this kaupapa.

Here are some examples to get you thinking… gathering and preparing kai, kapa haka liaison, information centre assistance, car parking and entry wardens, front and back stage assistants, venue clean-up, corporate lounge, kaumātua and tamariki areas, arts and craft stalls and exhibitions, administration support, catering te mea, te mea, te mea.

Recently the governance group Te Kāhui Pātuitanga established its terms of reference and determined how relationships could be utlilised in support of the Waitaha Cultural Council’s hosting role.

It is heartening to see the leadership of both Te Rūnanga and the Christchurch City Council working together so closely to support the council and the festival.

A group of enthusiastic Ngāi Tahu and southern artists has been meeting over the past few months to brainstorm ideas and develop concepts of how the venue could look and how Ngāi Tahu can put its mark on the city during Te Matatini.

This Te Matatini festival will be distinctly southern and the artists and their art will play a key role in making that happen.

The nation’s kapa haka teams are busily competing in the regional competitions with the top teams qualifying to compete at Te Matatini.

The Waitaha regionals are being held on April 12 at the Lincoln Events Centre and tickets will be going on sale 12 March online at www.eventfinder.co.nz.

Don’t miss your chance to see the best Te Waipounamu has to offer.

The theme of Te Matatini 2015 is He Ngākau Aroha – it is our chance to say thank you and reciprocate the aroha, care and support shown by all iwi around the country after the earthquakes.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to treat our manuhiri to southern Māori hospitality at its finest.

We are planning to surround the kapa haka stage with a vibrant festival featuring the best of Ngāi Tahu and southern cuisine, arts and crafts, entertainment and activities.

Te Matatini 2015 will be a whānau-friendly, smoke, alcohol and drug free event, where everyone is welcome.

Please visit the Waitaha website
www.waitahacc.co.nz or call 0800 KAI TAHU and register your interest, ‘like’ Waitaha Cultural Council on Facebook and encourage others by spreading the word.

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