Rnz: Te Ahi Kaa

Dr Leonie Pihama and Dr Jillian Tipene of Te Kotahi Research Institute at The University of Waikato provide a brief analysis into their scoping report commissioned by Manātu Tāonga (Ministry for Culture and Heritage) and Te Matatini ltd. Te Kotahi used kaupapa māori research methodologies to engage with focus groups who, in some cases are at the frontline of kapa haka. One main part of the report findings was that kapa haka is undervalued. Dr Pihama and Dr Tipene discuss the health, social and economic benefits of kapa haka, and the untapped potential of traditional maori performing arts.