Local students get chance to shine on TV at kapa haka

A new television series, Kia Mau!, will feature Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Koutu.

Programme will take viewers to a different school each week

Rotorua students will be learning all there is to know about kapa haka in a new television series.

Kia Mau! will premiere on October 11 at 5pm on Maori Television.

Aimed at 5 to 9-years-old, the programme will take viewers to a different school each week to enjoy their kapa haka performances.

Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Koutu will feature in the series on November 4 and December 13.

Leading kapa haka performers Kaharau Keogh and Moana-Roa Callaghan, both 19, present the series with the help of Hawaiki James Morrison, 7 (Te Arawa, Ngai Tahu) Ngawairere Pihama, 11 (Tuhoe), Te Ahu Paenga, 6, and Waikahutia Tamati-Tupa'i, 10.

During the 13-part series, they will find out about everything from pohiri and poi making to traditional costume and carving.

Miss Callaghan said she loved sharing her enjoyment of kapa haka with kids. "I grew up in a really big family and I have introduced the joy of kapa haka to many beginners, young and old."

Producer Kay Ellmers, from Tumanako Production, says Kia Mau! included fun lessons teaching basic te reo Maori and specific aspects of kapa haka performance techniques.

"It's a kids' TV show, but it is also a teaching resource ideal for home and school. Because it is mainly in English, it is accessible to everyone and introduces language learners to te reo and tikanga Maori."