It’s Time for a Culture Change For Takatāpui in Tamaki

It’s Time for a Culture Change For Takatāpui in Tamaki

Taurima Vibes presents
AHUREI MATARIKI TAKATĀPUI

Cultural change agent Taurima Vibes are poised to bridge the gap between community engagement and professional performance. The brainchild of leading Māori director and facilitator Borni Te Rongopai Tukiwaho (Tuhoe, Tuwharetoa, Te Arawa), the company has recently launched an exciting programme of community building activities for the next six months, kicking off with the brand-new festival AHUREI MATARIKI TAKATĀPUI from July 19-21.

Takatāpui is a traditional Māori term meaning ‘intimate companion of the same sex.’ It has been reclaimed to embrace all Māori who identify with diverse sexes, genders and sexualities. AHUREI MATARIKI TAKATĀPUI is a brand-new initiative, to be presented in the Matariki Māori New Year. A weekend of performances, discussions and an expo for the Takatāpui (LGBTQI+) community, Tukiwaho has created the festival with community champion Whati Te Wake (Te Rarawa ki Hokianga) to bridge gaps, both cultural and generational, and promote harmony in the broader community.

“This is an opportunity for Takatāpui, both Rangatahi and Kaumatua, to really connect and consider how we can move forward into an unknown future positively,” said Festival Director Tukiwaho.

A festival encompassing three public events across Friday 20 and Saturday 21 will reach out to meet the needs of Takatāpui across Auckland. Community icons such as MP and marriage equality champion Hon. Louisa Wall (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Hineuru, Waikato), dancer Taiaroa Royal, transgender advocate Ramon Te Wake, Auckland drag superstar Miss Ribena, and performance artist Jermaine Dean of FAFSWAG fame have lined up to contribute their fierce talents and unique points of view to the breadth of activities which include a panel discussion and a cross-genre performance gala. Full cups of tea will be thrown around and glitter cannons fired!

Conscious that community building is as much about celebration as it is candour and support, Tukiwaho and Taurima Vibes have also joined forces with the Waipareira Trust, Hapai Te Hauora and NZ AIDS Foundation to present a gamechanging wellness market expo, Hāpori Ora.

Alongside this activity, Taurima Vibes will also continue their celebrated health-promotion-through-performance frame Atawhai this October. Puāwai, their activation for HIV-awareness and prevention initiatives, will kickoff in the final week of November, culminating in World AIDS Day on December 1.

Taurima Vibes walk alongside the community, creating unique events that remind whanau who they are, why they matter and where they come.

AHUREI MATARIKI TAKATĀPUI

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

POWHIRI
Te Unga Waka Marae, Epsom
Thursday 19 July at 7pm
(INVITE ONLY EVENT)

TAUMATA KŌRERO – Panel Discussion
Te Unga Waka Marae, Epsom
Friday 20th July; 7pm
Entry via koha donation
Panelists include Louisa Wall, Ramon Te Wake, Taiaroa Royal, Adrian Noda, and Aunty Ra.
*ALL ATTENDEES TO PANEL MUST REGISTER HERE

HĀPORI ORA – Wellness expo
Te Unga Waka Marae, Epsom
Saturday 21st July; 10am - 3pm
Entry via koha donation
Presented in collaboration with the NZ AIDS Foundation. A market style event with support agencies including the Waipareira Trust and Hapai Te Hauora

MATARIKI WHAKANUIA – Gala Show
Lot 23, Eden Terrace
Saturday 21st July; 7.30pm
Entry via koha donation
MC Miss Ribena leads a multi-genre performance explosion featuring the talents of Ahakoa Te Aha Kapa Haka, Taiaroa Royal, Jess Holly Bates, Borni Te Rongopai Tukiwaho, Whati Te Wake, Zach Macer, Brady Peeti and Jermaine Dean of FAFSWAG, with more to be announced.
*ALL ATTENDEES TO THE GALA MUST REGISTER HERE
(NUMBERS ARE STRICTLY LIMITED)

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