Taranaki Tū Mai is a biennial event where iwi of Taranaki come together to celebrate Taranakitanga, Whanaungatanga and Whakapapa through Hākinakina (sport), Kapa Haka (cultural performances) and Wānanga (learning forums). This is the fourth Taranaki Tū Mai Festival to be held, following the hosting in 2009 by Te Ātiawa at Waitara, 2011 by Taranaki Iwi at Parihaka & 2013 by Ngā Rauru Kītahi at Waverley.
The aim of Taranaki Tū Mai is to promote and celebrate Māori unity in Taranaki. Taranaki Tū Mai offers something for everyone, from our mokopuna to our kaumātua. It allows for whanaungatanga to be practised, valued and experienced inter-generationally, and with other whānau, hapū and iwi. In this respect, it helps us to foster our Ngāti Mutunga connections with other iwi of Taranaki.
The Festival gives us, as Ngāti Mutunga uri, a chance to come together, and to represent our people on the sports fields and courts, as well as on the marae and performing stage. Having the opportunity to host a kaupapa such as this is important for us as an iwi, as there are few opportunities for us to come together and represent ourselves as Ngāti Mutunga.
With any kaupapa, our priority as Ngāti Mutunga uri should be to uphold the kawa and tikanga, of our marae (such as manaakitanga), set by our mātua and tūpuna. ‘Ko te mana o Ngāti Mutunga, ko tōna manaaki I te tangata’, Ngāti Mutunga’s mana is maintained through our hospitality. In order for this to be achieved, we need as many of our Ngāti Mutunga uri to come forward and make a commitment to the kaupapa.
There are many jobs, tasks and duties that will need to be done with lead-up to, and hosting of the festival. With the support of our Ngāti Mutunga uri, it is hoped that Taranaki Tū Mai will be a success, and one where people from all iwi of Taranaki feel welcomed.
Taranaki Tū Mai will take place from Friday 20th November 2015 – Sunday 22nd November 2015.
The pōwhiri for the Taranaki Tū Mai Festival will be at 2pm on Friday 20th November 2015 at Urenui Pā.
There are many sports that will be played at the Taranaki Tū Mai Festival this year.
Our Ngāti Mutunga Iwi registrations for Taranaki Tū Mai are being coordinated through the Ngāti Mutunga Runanga office. If you (or other whānau) would like to participate in one of the sports (as mentioned above), kapa haka, wānanga, Kaumatua Olympics and Tamariki Games, please complete a Taranaki Tū Mai Registration Form. Each person (including tamariki) will need to complete a separate registration form (please photocopy the registration form if you require more) and each registration form will need to be returned along with your registration fee of $5 to the Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga office as soon as possible. Tamariki 12 years and under are free. Registrations close 1 November 2015
To download the Registration Form for Taranaki Tu Mai 2015, click on the following link: REGISTRATION FORM – TARANAKI TU MAI 2015
We will need many kaimahi to help out at Taranaki Tū Mai. If you would like to put your name down as kaimahi please contact the Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga office.
If you require any further information please contact the Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga office on (06) 75 23 247 or visit www.taranakitumai.co.nz
