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| Inside the Marae performance space (Photo credits: Louise Craig-Pullan) |
When four van loads of adult students arrived on the scene, we all dispersed and soaked in the atmosphere of kapa haka (Maori dance/songs) performances for the king, local Maori food stalls and jewelry stalls etc. with sports challenges for organised teams to tow.
It was a very interesting experience as it was the very first time that I had ever attended such an event in being aware in working within an indigenous Maori space of this annual event that many Maori staff attended over the years.
There I watched parts of a doco of the former Maori Queen Te Atarangikaahu (mother to the current King) who reigned for over 40 years and died in 2006. There, I learned about the Kingitanga movement was set up as a form of resistance to the crown and to unify Maori but some iwi (tribes) did not agree and still continue to alienate themselves from the movement.
As far as I'm aware, it's a celebration over several days that starts with dignitaries attending, followed by schools and kapa haka groups attending and performing over the weekend. On following days, people begin to bring taonga (treasures) in remembrance of those of whom have passed away during the year and in all that time, the kingitanga provide lunch and refreshments for visitors.
It's definitely an event that I would recommend for any to attend if given the opportunity and a way of paying our respects to an indigenous resistance movement, through their King/Queen: of the people, for the people, by the people...
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