NEW ZEALAND EXPO MAORI ENTERTAINERS - Waka Maori
[SLC-224]

NEW ZEALAND EXPO MAORI ENTERTAINERS - Waka Maori

1. Conch and karanga;
2. Aue E Te Iwi E/Haere Mai;
3. E Nga Iwi;
4. Toia Mai Te Waka Nei;
5. Poi medley no.
6. E Ara Ake Ra;
7. Tika Tonuhaka;
8. Pokarekare Ana;
9. Te Atairangi Kaahu;
10. Poi medley no.2;
11. Tirama; Ma Wai Ra;
12. Paikea;
13. Ka Mate haka;
14. Turanga Wahine;
15. Aku Raukura;
16. Kua Tata Nei Au
    
    Compact Disc CD SLC-224

World Expo 88, in Brisbane, was the first time in nearly 20 years that New Zealand had participated in an Expo (since Osaka in 1970). The Maoris became the undoubted hit of Expo 88 in Brisbane. Huge crowds gathered to see them, six times a day. On one memorable occasion the New Zealand stage was closed down by the Expo authorities - the Maoris had caused such a huge audience to gather, that pedestrian traffic throughout the whole Expo site ground to a halt, and the situation was deemed dangerous. For World Expo 92, in Seville, the New Zealand authorities decided that obviously Maori entertainment must again form a prominent part of the New Zealand presence. This time a different approach was undertaken. Rather than engage an existing performance group, based in one region of the country, an entirely “national” Maori group was assembled.

Nearly 40 performers from all over the nation were invited to participate, rehearsing a repertoire which was to be both informative and entertaining for foreign audiences - who know little of Maori culture. It was arranged that the performers would appear in Seville in teams of twelve, jig-sawed over the six month period of Expo 92, to give a total of 930 performances . . . the biggest project of Maori entertainment ever staged. From the infinite riches of Maori culture and music, the Expo group presented only a small but fascinating selection. This recording was made by group members representing many tribal regions and a diverse range of Maori musical styles.

Recorded at Te Unga Waka marae, 24 February 1992
Producers: Max Cryer & Wayne Laird
Recording engineer: Bruce Duske Driver: Kenney Ball
Stage Manager: Alec Musha
Photography: Allan McDonald
Design: Murray Vincent
Executive Producer: John P. Ruffell

The New Zealand Expo Maori Entertainers.
Leaders: George and Tangiwai Ria, Tom and Vicky Ward.

Douglas Baty, Ruby Baty, Kingi Biddle, Aroha Cassidy, Anaru Grant, Donna Grant, Julie Hunga, Debbie Hape, Jeffrey Hape, Hui Kahu, Sid Kahu, Atareta Maxwell, Trevor Maxwell, Elizabeth Makene, Guy Moetara, Riki Mitchell, Dean Nathan, Maryann Paul, Tihi Puanaki, Pauline Prime, Sharon Ringiao, Paora Sharples, Poto Stephens, Matiu Te Huki, Atawhai Tibble, Wiremu Wehi, Vanessa Whiu, Te Rangihau Gilbert, Tutata Hetit-Matatahi, Kereti Rautangata, Hui-Aroha, Mareikura-Clarkin

with: Moera Anderson; Naomi Te Paa; Rick Whiu; Hinemaua Rikirangi; Prince Davis; Te Atarangi Whiu; Te Taite Cooper

 
Maori / New Zealand