Wonderful World Of Waiata Returns To Maori TV

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THURSDAY, APRIL 26 2007

Wonderful World Of Waiata Returns To Maori Television

The origins and meanings of traditional waiata are explored with the return of Maori Television's MOTEATEA - premiering on Sunday May 6 at 6.00 PM.

A fourth series of 13, half-hour episodes looks once again at moteatea, an ancient form of waiata, which plays a crucial role in keeping oral traditions alive.

"Moteatea are crafted works of poetry," says producer Hinewehi Mohi, of Raukatauri Productions. "Tunes and rhythms are used to assist in committing the stories to memory.

"These traditional waiata are a reflection of their time and context in our past, giving us insight into the minds and lives of our tipuna (ancestors)."

Although moteatea are often created a long time ago, the themes remain the same, says Hinewehi, herself an accomplished and well-known singer. "The human experience of success and failure, loss and discovery, conflict, passion and love all remain the same."

Moteatea also play an important role as a rich resource of Maori language and in keeping language and culture alive for future generations.

MOTEATEA features performances by hapu and iwi from all over the motu, supported by on-screen graphics of the lyrics. Interviews with waiata experts from each iwi reveal the origins, story and composer of each moteatea.

They also explore the language used in the songs, making MOTEATEA an essential tool for students of reo Maori.

This series features moteatea from Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Ruanui, Ngapuhi, Ngati Rangi, Ngati Maniapoto, Ngati Pukenga, Ngati Hine, Ngati Wai, Ngati Porou, Ngati Pukenga, Ngati Whatua and Te Aupouri.
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Discover the timeless beauty of an ancient form of waiata in the new series of MOTEATEA - premiering on Maori Television on Sunday May 6 at 6.00 PM.

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