Wellington Xiamen Association Inc.

惠厦協會

 MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

15 October 2008

 Wellington kapa haka group off to China

A group of Wellington kapa haka performers led by renowned violinist Elena are taking their distinctive mix of music and dance to Wellington’s sister city Xiamen in China and Nanning, thanks to support from the Xiamen Municipal Government, the Wellington Xiamen Association, the Wellington City Council and the Chinese Embassy in Wellington.

The Council’s Arts and Culture Portfolio Leader, Councillor Ray Ahipene-Mercer, says this is a great opportunity for Wellington performers to share some of New Zealand’s cultural and musical heritage with audiences in China.

“The group will appear at the Nanning International Folk Song Arts Festival next week on the recommendation of the Chinese embassy in Wellington, performing with artists from 57 different ethnic minorities in China, as well as 26 groups from other countries.  This festival is a celebration of the traditional culture of the Zhuang people, an ethic minority group in the Guangxi Zhuang region of South China, along with other Chinese minority groups and people from around the world.”

“Elena’s group will also take the colours and sounds of New Zealand to audiences in our sister city Xiamen and, as well as public performances, there’ll be plenty of opportunities for the group to share cultural experiences with local performers and students,” says Cr Ahipene-Mercer.

Elena says she is proud to lead a cultural delegation representing Wellington to her sister city in China. 

“I’m delighted at the chance to visit and play in China again.  I’m also looking forward to learning from local musicians and performers – it will be an amazing cultural experience.”

In November 2006, Elena and her cultural symphony played at the Shanghai International Arts Festival, giving local Chinese audiences an insight into New Zealand and Maori culture. Her three appearances at the festival were rapturously received.  Elena is a member of the Vector Wellington Orchestra and regularly performs to public, corporate, school and community audiences.

The Poutama kapa haka performers – Tia Kirk, Roimata Timutimu, Hemi Ruru and Howard McGuire – are part of a larger troupe that competes in competitions and performs around New Zealand.  

Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast visited Xiamen in August and the city’s governors committed to providing support and materials for a Chinese garden to be built in Wellington’s Frank Kitt’s Park next year.

The Mayors of Wellington and Xiamen signed a sister city agreement in 1987 and last year they celebrated the 20th anniversary of this relationship. Both cities continue to cooperate on civic visits, education exchanges, arts and cultural events and promoting tourism and trade.

“We’re very pleased to be able to help Elena extend her tour to Xiamen,” says Wellington Xiamen Association Chair David Tai.  “Cultural exchanges like this really strengthen the links between New Zealand and China.” 

The Association has provided the funding for the group to visit China, with the Council providing administrative and logistical support.  Chris Parkin from Wellington’s Museum Hotel also provided support for the group by providing a large rehearsal space and Chris Lipscombe at Ground Zero coordinated the visit.

Elena playing her violin with members of the Poutama kapa haka group: Tia Kirk, Roimata Timutimu, Hemi Ruru and Howard McGuire. (Photo credit: Jan Nauta)

For more information, please contact: Elena, ph 972 9891, mob 021 972 988

David Tai, Wellington Xiamen Association, ph 460 3177, mob 021 769 280

Councillor Ray Ahipene-Mercer, mob 027 272 1713

Tom Yuan, Council International Relations Manager, ph 801 3260, mob 027 247 9928