Maori kites a hit in Dieppe

STREET THEATRE: Harko Brown, his daughters Yves and Billie and stepson Joshua Rewha, are having no trouble pulling a crowd in France. PHOTO/ SUPPLIED

Harko Brown, his daughters Billie and Yves and stepson Joshua Rewha, will be in need of a holiday when they return home to the Far North on Saturday, having completed their "mission" to the International Dieppe Kite Festival in France on Sunday.

"It's a huge event," Harko said, attracting up to 700,000 visitors over eight days.

"We have flown Maori kites, we performed haka, heading the kite flyer parade with guests of honour Canada through the streets of Dieppe (two hours, 300 flyers, Brazilian drummers, musicians from 45 countries) and run kite and Maori games workshops.

"So far we've created more than 300 giveaways for kids."

Last week they visited La Providence College, where they spoke for an hour about their culture, taught songs and introduced the 100 students to Maori games, a rotation of ki-o-rahi, poi toa, toa-meke, kukumamau and hakariki.

The biggest of their five kites, of the tuwharakiarahi design, called Te Ara Wairua and painted by Theresa Reihana, was displayed in the exhibition marquee, alongside the coveted works of Canadian First Nations painter Dominique Normans.

Billie, Yves and Josh also played in the world invitation ki-o-rahi team against France, with the two matches attracting massive attention.

France won the first game 35-27, the rest of the world won the second 48-30.

The world team included players from South Africa, Guatemala, Holland and Germany.

"Our ropu performed during the mayoral welcome," Harko added.

"There was lots on, with kids streaming through our appointed booths while we teach Maori games, fly our kites and perform etc.

"The town put on a special VIP do on the last night for our team. We've had quite an impact over the time we have been there. There are two days to go and lots still to come.