TAMIRA Maori in the City brings unique cultural experience

Media release                                                                                   
14 August 2013

ATAMIRA Maori in the City brings unique cultural experience to Auckland’s waterfront

Aucklanders invited to enjoy a free showcase of Maori heritage and contemporary culture

Ngati Whatua o Orakei are extending an open invitation to Aucklanders to immerse themselves in ATAMIRA Maori in the City. ATAMIRA provides a unique display of Maori culture, and will be held at Shed 10 and The Cloud from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 September.

ATAMIRA is a free bi-annual event, showcasing Maori culture, art, performance, sport and food. Supported by a number of generous organisations, including principal sponsor Bank of New Zealand, the 2013 festival promises to be the biggest and best yet, with its new location in a heart of the city venue increasing the event’s accessibility and appeal.

ATAMIRA Event Director Alec Hawke says this year the festival team is actively encouraging people from all cultures and ethnicities to take part.

“We’ve been so successful in attracting Maori to previous festivals, but it’s an event that’s open to all Aucklanders and we’d like to invite a broader audience to experience ATAMIRA this year.

Maori culture is at the roots of New Zealand’s heritage, and ATAMIRA is a wonderful opportunity for people to come and explore their country’s indigenous customs.”

A highlight of the festival this year will be the food. MasterChef cult hero Cameron Petley will spearhead an area of Maori cooking demonstrations and exhibitions. This is in addition to the popular food hall that will allow visitors to sample traditional and contemporary cuisine.

BNZ Head of Maori Business Pierre Tohe says the bank is thrilled to be able to support such a lively, engaging cultural celebration.

“BNZ is all about supporting its customers, and they come from all walks of life. We are really pleased to be supporting such an important cultural event which showcases Maori heritage in a unique way,” he says.

The festival will host live music, an interactive Whakairo area where visitors will be able to watch traditional Maori artists, carvers weavers and ta moko artists at work, a sport and lifestyle expo and a waka symposium.

More information about stalls and entertainment will follow – keep up with the latest at http://atamira.org.nz/

Event Programme:

http://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/1308/Event_programme.pdf

ENDS

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