Evening cultural experience relaunched
Te Puia, New Zealand’s iconic cultural institution is opening a new evening experience on the 18 September. The experience has been named Te Po (the night) and promises to be ‘an immersive feast of indigenous cultural storytelling, entertainment and food’, according to Te Puia Chief Executive, Te Taru White.
‘The experience draws on the unique elements of Te Puia and Māori culture’, says White. ‘It is an opportunity for local and international visitors to feel the special character of the Whakarewarewa Valley at night, to celebrate the stories of our heritage and to experience the many Māori delicacies on offer’.
Visitors will be welcomed onto Te Puia’s fully-carved traditional marae through the customary powhiri (welcome) process. They will be entertained by a world class Māori performance group and will have a chance to interact with local experts in time honoured disciplines including Māori weaponry, song and taonga puoro (musical instrument playing).
‘While the hangi will be an integral component of the food experience, an extensive range of additional delicacies (including seafoods, smoked meats and vegetarian options), have been researched and developed to add a unique flavour to this innovative product’, said White. To conclude the evening, visitors will be ferried down into the valley, to the world famous Pohutu geyser, on Te Puia’s waka (people movers). White said, ‘it is appropriate to finish the evening in the ethereal embrace of Pohutu geyser, and to feel the living legacy of the valley and its people.
Te Po starts at 6.15pm each evening, 365 days of the year. For people wanting to experience all Te Puia has to offer, including visiting the National Carving and Weaving Schools and Te Puia’s award winning interpretive galleries, the Te Po Combo starts at 4.30pm every day.
Te Puia (the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute) has a 40 year history of delivering unique experiences to visitors from all over the world. At the centre of the organisation’s concept are people, culture and the landscape.
Te Whakarewarewa is New Zealand’s best known thermal area and contains an extensive variety of geothermal activity. There are more than 500 springs in the thermal reserve which vary from cold to boiling cauldrons. Much of the water, particularly that discharged by geysers and the clear boiling pools have a high silica content and as it flows over the nearby rocky ground, leaving a deposit which builds up impressive and sometimes colourful terraces.
The success of NZMACI has allowed culture to drive commerce with re-investment back into the three key areas of Māori Arts, Māori Crafts and Māori Culture.
NZMACI has a unique position in array of contexts including cultural, commercial and natural environments. It is currently ranked in the top three paying visitor attractions in New Zealand.
For further information or inquiries please contact Kelly Stewart, Sales and Marketing Manager kelly@tepuia.com 027 289 3201
19 September 2008
