Marae powhiri formally opens writers, readers festival

A ceremony to honour mana whenua has set the scene for a Dunedin literary festival.

More than 100 people gathered at Ōtākou Marae for the opening ceremony of the Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival, yesterday.

Attendees were welcomed on to the marae by a powhiri performed by Kings and Queens High Schools.

It set the stage for a conversation between three authors, including Witi Ihimaera, in which they discussed the influence writing had on their lives.

Festival board chairwoman Nicola McConnell said it was a privilege to formally open the festival at the marae.

‘‘We really wanted to honour mana whenua and start the festival in the right way.

‘‘It sets the scene for a festival which is going to be engaging and sharing stories from all perspectives and walks of life.’’

For the first time in the festival’s history, two Māori curators were invited to collaborate on the programme.

The theme was Te Pūao, the place where the river meets the sea.

Ms McConnell said the theme could be interpreted in many ways.

It represented the blending of stories with people’s lives and the blending of worlds between Māori and Pākehā.

The festival runs until tomorrow.

tim.scott@odt.co.nz