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Farewell Tama Huata

HE POROPOROAKI KI A TAMA TURANGA HUATA (ONZM)

             Ko te amorangi ki mua

            Ko te hapai o ki muri,

            Te tuturutanga mahi pono o te Maori mana motuhake

            E rere e te huata, hopukia!

            E rere e te manuka, tomokia

Tama Turanga Huata ONZM, 64 years, passed away at his home in Meanee, Napier on Wedneday 11th February surrounded by his close whanau.

 Tama was the founder of Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre which was at the forefront of the renaissance of Maori Performing Art in the early 80’s.  The formation of Kahurangi was the embodiment of Tama’s vision to present Maori performing arts in a dynamic and contemporary manner. The touring teams have travelled the world promoting cultural understanding and celebration. Kahurangi is a New Zealand taonga. Tama was the founder of the Takitimu Trust in 1984 followed by the formation of Te Wananga Whare Tapere o Takitimu in 1991,which was the first institution to offer a degree course in the traditional Maori performing arts. Tama holds the mantle of the Tohunga Huarewa of Te Whare Pukenga.

Tama was the founder of the Waiata Maori Music Awards, an annual event that celebrates leadership and achievement of Maori musicians. Tama was the leader of the Takitimu Festival, a triennial event that celebrates the rich history of the Takitimu waka. Tama was the Chairperson of the Ngati Kahungunu Runanga for the Arts and Culture Board which leads the performing arts wing of Ngati Kahangunu initiatives and is also leading the Te Matatini 2017 event which is being hosted in Ngati Kahungunu.  Tama was the inaugural chairperson of the Te Matatini Society Inc. And under the guidance of Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu, lead the revamping of the organisation to what is now known as Te Matatini. Tama was a member of the Ngati Kahungunu Taumata alongside Dr. Pita Sharples, Professor Piri Sciascia, and Dr. Rangimarie Turuki Pere who offer cultural direction for Ngati Kahungunu iwi. Tama also headed the Nga Marae o Heretaunga organisation and recently spear-headed the Nga Pou o Heretaunga project. He is an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit and is internationally recognized as an expert in indigenous arts.
Tama served on the DANZ Board 1997-99 and was Chairman during that time.

 Ngaro noa koe e Tama, i nga marae nei…

Ko te aroha e Tama, e pehi kino nei…

Haere ra, ka tuturu ahau, haere ra…

Farewell Tama Huata

 
 
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