FESTIVAL NEW ZEALAND TE KOTAHITANGA (UNITY)
SATURDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2005
BIRRARUNG MARR & FEDERATION SQUARE, MELBOURNE
10.00 am onwards
“We, the Maori people, see the Waka
and carvings as a living entity, physically linked to our
ancestors.
It provides pride, respect and understanding towards one another
and the wider community.”
MOST SUCCESSFUL EVENT EVER @ FEDERATION SQEARE
Festival New Zealand & Te Kotahitanga (Unity) was Federations Square's most successful event ever (to this date), attracting more than 50,000 people over the course of the day.
WAKA
Waka (in Perth)
|
Waka (in the Water)
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Maori legends tell of amazing journeys of a people travelling
throughout the Pacific aboard large canoes called Waka.
Te Karangatahi (One Voice) is the name given
to the 40 foot long traditionally carved Maori Waka, the only
Waka built in Australia.
The Waka is a magnificent and sacred work of art. Its carvings
depicting Maori ancestry, its tribes and the spiritual significance
in Maoridom.
Te Roopu Ataawhai Inc. St Albans was chosen
by the owners, Te Rangatahi Inc. Perth, to be the Victorian
custodian of the Waka. In partnership with Multicultural Arts
Victoria, the Waka is here to be shared with the communities
in the State of Victoria.
THE WAKA SACRED CEREMONY
BIRRARUNG MARR / YARRA RIVER
10.00 am - 12.00 noon
The Victorian launch of the Waka will take place
at Birrarung Marr on the Yarra River in Melbourne, on Saturday,
3rd September 2005 between
10.00 am and 12.00 noon.
Te Karangatahi will begin its journey from Burnley with an
Aboriginal Smoking Ceremony to bless the Nga Hoe Waka (Rowers
of the Waka).
Nga Hoe Waka will row the Waka on the Yarra River and perform
a traditional salute as a mark of respect to the Aboriginal
elders and Kaumatua (Maori elders), their communities, distinguished
guests and the wider community.
FESTIVAL NEW ZEALAND
FEDERATION SQUARE
12.30 pm - 4.30 pm
Te Kotahitanga ( Unity )
Experience entertainment by Maori, Samoan, Tongan and Rarotongan
performers who will bring the ageless Polynesian art of traditional
dance and music to Festival New Zealand, hosted by X Factor
finalist Mita Kaa.
And for a modern twist, hear the performances of some of New
Zealand's emerging rap, R&B, hip hop and rock artists.
At Festival New Zealand, feast on traditional Maori food as
you explore the creative realm of Maori arts and crafts on
display.
BLEDISLOE CUP
BIG SCREEN @ FEDERATION SQUARE
4.30 pm & 5.30 pm
Haka and Guiness Book of World Records Attempt
Always wanted to learn the Haka? Here's your chance.
At Festival New Zealand leading up to the Bledisloe Cup at
4.30 pm not only do you get to perform the Haka with the All
Blacks on screen, we will be attempting to beat the world
record for the 'Largest Haka Performed Outside of New Zealand'.
From 5.30 pm onwards the New Zealand All Blacks vs Australian
Wallabies Rugby Union match will broadcast live on the big
screen at Federation Square.
Bring a chair or rug to the festival.
WHALE RIDER FILM
The world famous movie “Whale Rider”
draws great strength from the beautiful Waka featured in the
movie which will be screened at the ACMI theatre at 7.30 pm.
Special guest, grandfather ‘Paka’ in the movie
(New Zealand actor Rawiri Paratene) will attend an exclusive
screening of the film for guests of the New Zealand Consul-General.
Rawiri will be attending the festival during the day.
SUPPORTED GENEROUSLY BY
Victoria Police
Villa Maria Wines
Buena Vista
Regal Salmon
Victorian Rugby Union
Arts Education Victoria
New Zealand Milk
Melbourne Aquarium
TE ROOPU ATAAWHAI
PO BOX 1077
St Albans VIC 3021
T +61 412 576 368
E patae@ataawhai.org.au
W www.ataawhai.org.au
MULTICULTURAL ARTS VICTORIA
PO BOX 2179
Fitzroy DC VIC 3065
T +61 3 9417 6777
E office@multiculturalarts.com.au
