A Whakatū photographer has met the challenge to exhibit the pride, strength and unity of traditional Māori performing arts at Nelson Provincial Museum.
The exhibition, which is titled Te Ara o Hine Rēhia: A journey into the world of kapa haka, takes visitors on a journey through Melissa Banks’ photos of local kapa haka whānau.
Melissa says her exhibited school-aged kapa haka groups include Tamariki Toa from Nelson Central School, Te Pītau Whakarei from Nelson Intermediate School, Pūaha Te Tai from Nayland College and the Whakatū-based adult group, Kura Tai Waka.
“It shows the importance that people celebrate the kaupapa [topic],” she says.
“Within a kapa haka bracket there are seven items that a group performs when they’re on the stage, so I’ve separated the images into different sections and used the metaphor of each of the seven items.”
These seven metaphors include the waiata tira [choral song], the whakaeke [entry], the mōteatea [lament], the poi, the waiata-ā-ringa [action song], the haka, and the whakawātea [ending].
Melissa says her exhibition will also feature traditional taonga from the museum, recently-created artefacts such as tā moko stencils, poi and piupiu, and kapa haka videos and soundscapes.
“I just hope to make the whānau who are in the photos proud… they’re really excited and supportive and I’ve had awesome sponsorship as well,” she says.
“I’ve had other exhibitions, but this is probably the first big solo one.”
A moving opening ceremony for Melissa’s exhibition was held on 7 September and boasted one of the largest crowds for an exhibition launch at the central city museum.
Episode 15 - “I want to be New Zealand’s biggest company.” — The Nelson Pod
Her exhibition will be on display until 12 November which includes during the national primary schools kapa haka competition, Te Mana Kuratahi, at the Trafalgar Centre at the end of October.
