A new whanau kapa haka group in Central Otago has filled a gap and created new opportunities in the district, leaders say.
The group, which was formed several months ago, welcomed all generations and had particularly high numbers of adults attending, one of the group leaders, Tim Riwhi, said.
School kapa haka groups operated elsewhere in Central Otago but there had been no group for adults and other family members to attend, Mr Riwhi, of Alexandra, said.
The new group had filled a niche in Central Otago, and people from the Alexandra, Cromwell and Maniototo districts were attending.
Up to 30 people attended the group every week, where people started with a ''bit of a chat'' and then learned and practised waiata, Mr Riwhi said.
Mr Riwhi and fellow group leader Stewart Hawkins, of Ranfurly, said the purpose of the group was to meet new people and foster knowledge of and confidence within the Maori culture.
The group always began with a mihi and opening karakia, and then practised waiata and learned new ones.
It was a ''nice and low-key'' group, the leaders said.
''All are welcome to come and learn and embrace the Maori culture,'' Mr Hawkins said.
''We're all learning and growing together,'' Mr Riwhi said.
''Like a whanau does,'' Mr Hawkins said.
The Central Otago whanau kapa haka group meets every Wednesday at 8pm at the whare at Dunstan High School, in Alexandra. For more information contact Tim Riwhi on 021 779-137.
