PCC STAGES 11TH ANNUAL MAORI COMPETITION
Te Kohau Hawaiiki — a Laie, Hawaii-based group pictured above — won the aggregate or overall championship in the Polynesian Cultural Center’s eleventh annual Te Manahua competition in Maori kapa haka or traditional songs and dances of the indigenous people of New Zealand.
The event — held August 13-14, 2010 in Laie — featured three events:
- Haka Hard! The Maori haka is sometimes described as a war dance — and indeed, the Polynesian Maori of New Zealand historically performed haka in preparation for battle — but today rugby players might get ready for a game by performing a taunting haka, and other Polynesians might respond with their own variation. In short, haka is an important posture dance that marks special occasions and builds the spirit of the participants. In fact, it’s not unusual during a stirring haka to see Maori people on the sidelines infected with enthusiasm jump up and join the action.
- Poi E: Similar to the Haka Hard! competition, groups of up five will demonstrate their skill and coordination in up to five-minute routines of twirling poi — a ball-like object typically tied to short (fingertips to elbow) and long (fingertips to shoulder) cords. Poi is usually performed by women, but not always, and the Poi E routines will undoubtedly range from traditional Maori waiata ringa or action songs to custom compositions.
- Senior whakataetae: The 2010 senior whakataetae or competition featured five groups, including two from New Zealand and one from London, England. One of the groups performed in exhibition and support of the others, but did not compete. The 2010 groups included...
“Te Manahua 2010 was a really unique event. There’s nothing else like it in Hawaii that’s focused on Maori culture,” said Seamus Fitzgerald, Manager of the PCC Islands of Aotearoa. “I always get excited that we’re going to celebrate Maori culture in Hawaii, especially when we’re doing it at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
He added that four widely respected kapa haka judges from New Zealand also made the trip to Laie for this year’s special Maori event. “This year’s definitely was a strong competition, and the participants were well judged on all the components.”
For more on the 2010 and previous Te Manahua Maori kapa haka festival...
For a complete list of winners...