Dancers showcase Rotorua's story to media at Trenz

A performer twirls her poi. Photo / Grace Jones Photography

Kapa haka and contemporary dancers shared the stage this week to help tell Rotorua's story to media, Government officials and senior tourism representatives at Trenz.

The original work was choreographed exclusively for the event by Lakes Performing Arts Company's artistic director, Turanga Merito, kapa haka expert and cultural entrepreneur, Wetini Mitai-Ngatai and producer Lara Northcroft.

Hosted by Destination Rotorua and Tourism Industry Aotearoa, the evening event held at the Blue Baths provided an opportunity for national and international media to network informally with Trenz partners and other invited guests.

Destination Rotorua's chief executive Michelle Templer said the evening was designed to reinforce the media's experience of Rotorua, showcasing the city's Māori heritage and natural environment.

"The event was themed around the four elements of earth, air, fire, water and showed how in Rotorua, the elements come together in a powerful way and are protected to create unique experiences for the people who live and visit here."

Choreographer Turanga Merito said the event was a great opportunity to show off Rotorua's young talent.

"The interplay between the different dance forms was a lot of fun to create and the finale at the end, showing the elements protected by the Te Arawa warriors, was a visual demonstration of our kaitiaki (guardianship) role."

Kapa Haka expert Wetini Mitai-Ngatai said he enjoyed collaborating with his nephew Merito to bring kapa haka into a modern context.

Performers on stage. Photo / Grace Jones Photography

"I've been working with performers for over 20 years now so when this opportunity came up, this particular group of young performers jumped at the chance to showcase their skills and share their culture with the international guests who were there.

"They were so pumped after the performance. They'd never been involved in anything like this before so it was a real eye opener for them and they'd love to do more."