"Our whakapapa connects us, while our passion for the arts fuels us."
Te Whare Tapere o Te Arawa share a diverse range of skills, with various specialists in haka, dance, theatre, film, TV, music, writing, directing, visual design, traditional arts and crafts, textile design and animation.
Māori dancer and journalist Matiu Hamuera (Te Arawa, Ngāti Whakaue) feels the announcement of the rōpū (group) marks a special time in their two-year development journey to date.
"This trailer is the start of sharing our stories and the unique histories connected to Rotorua, the volcanic epicentre of Aotearoa.
"Kotahitanga – togetherness, is represented in the kākahu [costume] designed by Te Rau O Te Huia Pou," said Hamuera.
Hamuera speaks of the energy and motivation behind this creative campaign, saying that "movement, haka and performing arts is bubbled up in this kaupapa as we stand united on our whenua, ready to share our stories with our community".
Dr Sophie Williams, an original member and key driver of the collective, acknowledged that "many talented Te Arawa artists are keeping our stories alive- Te Whare Tapere o Te Arawa is another vehicle in which we can contribute to this kaupapa".
"What brings us together is our commitment to serving our rangatahi, by sharing the skills we have acquired on our respective journeys."
Aronui is an Indigenous all-arts festival that runs over 11 days from September 9 to 19, and is now in its third year.
The festival is organised by the newly established Aronui Arts Festival Charitable Trust, helmed by descendants of Ngāti Whakaue and Te Arawa, alongside world-class award-winning artists.
Last year, the festival was postponed because of restrictions on large gatherings under Covid-19 alert level 2.
"Having had a hiatus due to Covid-19 last year, it is exciting to announce such brilliant acts that will be performing at Aronui this year," said arts festival trust chairwoman Mercia-Dawn Yates.
Aronui festival director Cian Elyse White looks towards a potential joint project between the two organisations.
"Te Whare Tapere o Te Arawa has been years in the making, with the collective's first wānanga running in 2018. The Aronui Trust looks forward to announcing a work-in-progress project, in collaboration with the collective, at a later date."
Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival is supported by the Rotorua Lakes Council, Creative NZ, Bay Trust, Rotorua Trust, Te Arawa FM, Steambox Film Collective, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Te Tatau O Te Arawa, Te Puni Kōkiri, and the Ministry of Culture and Heritage.
For tickets and the official 2021 Aronui programme, go to www.aronuiartsfestival.com.
