TE ARA O HINE RĒHIA – A JOURNEY INTO THE WORLD OF KAPA HAKA

This exhibition tells the story of kapa haka through the eyes of photographer Melissa Banks. Te Ara o Hine Rēhia presents the full journey from preparation to performance.

Fusing visual and audio mediums, the exhibition follows the journey over the past six years of Te Tauihu rōpū kapa haka Tamariki Toa (Nelson Central School), Te Pītau Whakarei (Nelson Intermediate School), Pūaha Te Tai (Nayland College) as well as the adult group Te Kura Tai Waka, framed around the metaphor of the different items that make up a kapa haka performance. From the serenity of the choral tira and the beauty of the poi, to the powerful impact of the haka, the whakaeke and the whakawātea, from the tradition and intergenerational knowledge in the mōteatea to the playfulness of the waiata-ā-ringa – the exhibition aims to inspire, connect, and educate viewers while upholding the mana of the performers, the kapa haka community and the eight iwi of Te Tauihu. Audiences will feel and see the individual and whānau commitment required to prepare for regional and national competitions, including the pinnacle event Te Matatini.

Photographer Melissa Banks lives in Whakatū Nelson upon the land and amongst the people her husband and daughters’ whakapapa to. Over the past decade, Melissa has photographed local whānau, hapū and iwi events across Te Tauihu, including kapa haka, tā moko, wānanga and hui. Kapa haka has always played a strong part in the life of Melissa’s three daughters and supporting them and photographing them on this journey has left her with a deep appreciation and love for the artform.

The exhibition is timed to coincide with the national primary schools kapa haka competition, Te Mana Kuratahi, taking place at the Trafalgar Centre in Whakatū from 29 October to 3 November.

Please note that entry to the Nelson Provincial Museum is free for Nelson Tasman locals and Te Mana Kuratahi groups but there is a charge for visitors to our region.