Cultures combine in San Francisco
In August 2005, Māori art met America as a Māori culture group performed alongside California's native Ohlone tribe in San Francisco.
Part of the 'Māori Art Meets America' exhibition, organised by Tourism New Zealand, the Māori cultural performance included performers from Rotorua's major tourism attraction Te Puia.
The group performed with the Ohlone tribe on Friday and Saturday morning at 5.30am at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Te Puia is New Zealand's leading cultural and geothermal attraction and the only visitor attraction participating in the joint promotion with Tourism New Zealand, Toi Māori and Air New Zealand.
The aim is to enhance the exchange of cultures and encourage visitors to New Zealand – especially via the new direct flights from San Francisco to Auckland.
Last year the Kamehameha School from Hawaii visited the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute at Te Puia so the two organisations can work together to revive Hawaii's lost art of carving.
Te Puia's master carver Clive Fugill's work is on display in San Francisco and head weaver Edna Pahewa is accompanying the group.
The Te Puia culture group will also be supporting renowned singer Hinewehi Mohi as she performs as part of the Toi Māori Eternal Thread exhibition.
Photo credits: Tourism New Zealand & Andy Katz Photography, Ed Casati.
