The multi-cultural powhiri, which will run from 10.30am-2pm this Saturday at the Shetland St marae, will be a chance for people from all walks of life to experience Te Ao Maori (the Maori world) and to share their own culture with others.
Arai Te Uru Marae manager Tania Williams is looking forward to sharing Maori culture with newcomers to New Zealand and the city, and with people who have not experienced powhiri before, describing it as ‘‘an uplifting experience’’.
‘‘The manaakitanga community powhiri is an opportunity for anybody to come on to the marae and feel the warmth and embrace of Maori culture,’’ she said.
Since 2018, the marae has hosted manaakitanga powhiri, in association with New Zealand Red Cross, Dunedin Multicultural Council, refugee support organisations, and faith groups with funding support from Dunedin City Council, Otago Community Trust and Lotteries.
This year, Dunedin group The Starfish Collective, which works to support former refugee families to settle, have joined the Ko Nga Rourou Manaaki group which organises the powhiri.
Ms Williams said the powhiri theme of kotahitanga/unity was inspired by the late Maori King and would also acknowledge the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti — the national hikoi opposing the Treaty Principles Bill.
‘‘I believe that now, at a time when there is so much division in the world, it is important for our community to come together in this way, in the arms of Te Ao Maori,’’ she said.
NZ Red Cross area lead Steve King said the powhiri was ‘‘a great way for our communities to connect’’.
‘‘The powhiri that are hosted at Arai Te Uru marae are a powerful modelling of inclusion, welcoming and aroha,’’ he said.
Following the powhiri, the people attending Saturday’s event will be invited to share in hangi-cooked kai and to enjoy performances from a range of cultural groups, including kapa haka groups from Bayfield High School and Balmacewen Intermediate.
A highlight will be an appearance by Associate Professor Jennifer Cattermole, of the University of Otago Music Department, who will bring along an array of taonga puoro/traditional Maori instruments for the community to experience.
Ms Williams said heart health campaigner Sam Weepers would also be at Saturday’s event to give a talk.
Arai Te Uru Marae’s Pataka Ora Celebration community meals will be held on Monday, from 5.30pm, and on Monday, November 25, from 11.30am.
Arai Te Uru Marae will host a gala day next Saturday, November 23, from 10am-2pm, featuring a broad range of community stall-holders.
For more information, find the event on facebook.
