Simultanious translation service at kapa haka event growing popular each year

A simultanious translation service will be available for people who wish to hear what is being said by Kapa Haka groups on stage at Te Matatini o Te Ra, the worlds largest Kapa Haka Festival in Gisborne later this week.

Darrin Apanui, Executive Director of Te Matatini Society Incorporated, the national organisation for Māori performing arts, explains “Hakarongo Mai is our English translation services for international tourists or locals who want to know what each group is singing and performing about.”

“We have provided this service at the last three Festivals since 2007 and each year, the demand continues to grow.”

It is particularly useful for tourists coming to the event. “Maori tourism brings a lot of people to our country, and Kapa Haka is a significant contributor to this market. By people having a fuller understanding, they feel more engaged and get a real sense of what is being performed. It becomes a more meaningful experience.”

Registered Maori translators Rangi McGarvey and Lewis Moeau will be broadcasting for the four day event, translating as each group performs.

People can purchase personal headsets for $3 or tune in through their car radio, MP3, Ipod or cellphone with radio capability. The frequency is 104.5FM.

Te Matatini o Te Ra starts on Thursday 17 February to 20 February 2011. Tickets can be purchased through TicketDirect or gate sales daily.

For information about Te Matatini o te Rā 2011, visit www.tematatini.co.nz.