Maori talent shines at Matariki Festival 2011 programme launch

An emerging Maori playwright and a young Maori/Samoan singer-songwriter discovered in a recent secondary schools competition were amongst the talent showcased in a special preview included in the launch of Auckland’s Matariki Festival 2011 programme last night.

Captivating scenes from Chris Molloy’s new play The Last Taniwha, which will be on in Mangere during the festival, and a stunning performance from 15-year-old Eden Tautali who will perform during the festival’s Tiramarama concert, were amongst the highlights of the evening at which Auckland Mayor Len Brown officially launched the programme for this year’s festival.

Being held from 4 June to 4 July in celebration of Māori New Year, Matariki Festival 2011 incorporates a number of events proudly presented by Auckland Council with its sponsors and supporters, and dozens of events and activities arranged around Tāmaki Makaurau by others to showcase Māori culture and creativity for all to enjoy.

Matariki Festival 2011 includes:

· TĪRAMARAMA – a star-studded concert showcasing contemporary Maori music on Friday 24 June at the Aotea Centre;
· 2DEGREES KAPA HAKA SUPER 12s – a special-format competition that will showcase Maori performing groups on Saturday 18 June at the Auckland Town Hall;
· NEW WORLD MATARIKI WĀNANGA-A-KAI – a food forum including Maori kai cooking demonstrations and tastings on 7 and 8 June at Auckland Museum and a hāngi-making workshop on Saturday 18 June at Te Tahawai Marae, Pakuranga;
· MANU AUTE KITE DAY SUPPORTED BY NEW ZEALAND POST – a free family-focused event on Saturday 2 July at Orakei Marae, Orakei Reserve;
· TUAKANA-TEINA PROJECT: TE AWARUA AND STRONG HANDS – a double-bill presentation of one new and one classic play on 15 – 17 June at Auckland Town Hall;
· UNITEC PRESENTS NGĀ KŌRERO TĀTAKI - LEADERSHIP CONVERSATION – three nights of stimulating conversation focused on Māori economic development on 8, 15 and 22 June at the UNITEC campus in Henderson.