The Evolution and Challenges faced by One Maori Dance Form (June 2005)
Group or Institution
University of Waikato
Author(s)
Pania Roa
Abstract
In the beginning there was Papatuanuku, earth mother and Ranginui, sky father...
Then came the light of a new dawning, a millennium for Maori the indigenous people of Aotearoa/New Zealand to continue their struggle to preserve, maintain and develop their rich culture and dance, or kanikani forms. This paper overviews the history of one Maori dance or kanikani form. It traces the status and role of this dance form from pre-European times through to the last 160 years of colonisation. The impact of the Declaration of Independence, Treaty of Waitangi and Tohunga Act are reviewed and the impact these contracts and laws have had on the human rights of Maori expressed via the dance form are discussed. Finally the current context and status of the selected dance form will be critically discussed and attendees at the presentation will have an opportunity to view a demonstration of the dance form examined.