Waiata greeted students as they returned to campus for the first time since 2021. Ngā Tauira Māori performed in the Quad as new students finally roamed the unfamiliar campus. The group gathered near the club stalls to perform many items. Hundreds of students looked on as Waiata filled the UoA city campus, with some even looking from the offices above. An audience member told Craccum how beautiful they thought the performance was, saying, “It’s so cool!”
The audience member enjoyed the performance, noting “It’s kind of rare to have this where I’m from.”
“[The performance] was so casual. It made the day even more special. Their voices are so strong!”
Despite all the stalls being bombarded with students signing up for clubs, the focus shifted solely to the Māori ensemble when the tauira began to speak. The group’s spokesperson was met with sadness when announcing the next Waiata would be their last item.
After their performance, the audience was encouraged to visit Waipapa Marae and korero with members of Ngā Tauira Māori to learn more about Te Ao Māori. “Haere Mai, Haere Mai” All would be welcomed if they chose to visit the marae and learn of the role kapa haka plays in revitalising Te Reo Māori and Māori cultural values. Waipapa Marae would provide a safe space for those that wish to learn more about the indigenous art and culture of Aotearoa.
