AUT Maori Expo '09

Maori achievement, culture and talent will be celebrated at the AUT Maori Expo ’09 at Vector Arena this week, on Thursday August 27.

The event, now in its 14th year, celebrates Maori achievement in all fields – cultural, political, sport, education and the arts. The expo explores how to prepare the next generation of Maori youth for tertiary study and professional careers on a local and international scale.

The Expo looks to the past, present and future; what it means to be Maori in the changing world. AUT Maori Expo means something different for everyone; for rangatahi (our young people), it’s about inspiration and empowerment. They will be inspired by the stories of Maori success and shown the opportunities and support to achieve their goals. For matua (our parents) and tipuna (our grandparents) it’s a day to celebrate the achievements of Maori, while also recognising their own influence over the next generation.

During the day visitors will be able to see, hear and taste the best of Maori culture at the Expo with a fashion show featuring top Maori designers, entertainment in the form of kapa haka and dance groups and some good old Maori tucker like hangi, raw fish and mussel fritters.

Later in the day some of the most well known Maori sports people and politicians will discuss the issues of the day in lively and humorous debates.

The sports panel will feature the likes of Oceania Football Player of the Century Wynton Rufer, surfing star Daniel Kereopa, and legendary All Black Buck Shelford, while the political panel will have representatives from the leading political parties including Metiria Turei and Georgina Te Heu Heu, Parekura Horomia and Hone Harawira.

Maori Expo has undergone a number of changes since the last event in 2007. It has moved to Vector Arena, partnered with Vodafone and introduced the event’s first night concert - Groove the Night.
Vector Arena Chief Executive Guy Ngata says the event represents a first for Vector Arena as the first free Maori community event the venue has hosted.

“It’s great that AUT is able to give people the opportunity to experience Maori entertainment and music, and showcase the great Maori talent we have in this country,” Ngata says.

Groove the Night, which kicks off after the expo, will feature performances from six of New Zealand music’s best and brightest. Che Fu will take to the stage alongside Tahuna Breaks, Three Houses Down, House of Shem, Cornerstone Roots and Aotearoa reggae royalty- Herbs.