Prime Minister launches Kapa Haka stamp series

The Right Hon. Prime Minister John Key launched a new stamp series issued by New Zealand Post to coincide with the international Festival, Te Matatini o Te Ra 2011, Wai o Hika Estate in Gisborne today.

James Te Puni, Marketing Commercial Director of NZ Post explains, “Kapa Haka is unique to New Zealand, and a great way to celebrate our heritage. The series highlights a performance from beginning to end with each discipline showcased on each stamp.”

Darrin Apanui, Executive Director of Te Matatini Society Incorporated, the national organisation for Māori performing arts continues, “we’re really proud of these stamps, they’re vibrant, colouful, and capture the energy of Kapa Haka.”

“They’re great collectors items, and are a great little promotion for our country.”

Mr Key attended the first day of Te Matatini o Te Ra, to launch the stamps and watch Maori Party co-leader Peter Sharples perform with his Auckland based Kapa Haka team Te Roopu Manutaki.

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