Te-Kahu-O-Rangi

Through a display of kākāhu from Kapa Haka Roopu Te Taha Tū, this exhibition celebrates and acknowledges the community who have helped to prepare, dress and design many different kākāhu that have been worn on stage by the award-winning Māori performing arts group. This exhibition is curated by Cora-Allan Twiss.

Alongside the garments there will be audio, moving image and a detailed history of the taonga used on stage by the group. The garments have never been on display before and will give our audiences an opportunity to see behind the curtains of a West Auckland based Kapa haka roopu.  

About Te Taha Tū

Te Taha Tū Kapa haka roopu are based in Te Atatū, West Auckland and was formed in 2009 by leaders James Taitin, Ngahiriwa Taitin, and Maurits Kelderman. The kaupapa behind the formation of Te Taha Tū is to form a whānau supportive group that, through the focus of wānanga and learning, results in performances with a broad knowledge base.  

Now led by Mau Taitin and Karina Taitin, both experts in multiple areas of Te Ao Māori, Te Taha Tū have performed at four Te Matatini National completions and seven Regional competitions that acknowledge the variety of skills in arts including kākāhu, weaponry, taonga composition, te reo Māori and waiata, which are fundamental to the notion of performance. 

Cover image courtesy of Vince Heperi
Gallery images: Ralph Brown

Te Taha Tū Poi Workshop
Saturday 18 October
11am - 1pm
Bookings required