From the graceful movements of the Poi to the overwhelming power of the Haka, Kapa Haka (traditional Maori performing arts) is intrinsic to New Zealand’s cultural identity. Kapa Haka means to stand in a row or rank (kapa) and dance (haka). Distinctive from other indigenous performing arts, Kapa Haka combines song, dance, expression and movement.
Issue information
Every two years, the nation’s most elite Kapa Haka performers come together to compete at Te Matatini National Festival – widely regarded as the ‘premier Maori cultural performing arts festival’. Taking place in Gisborne on 16-20 February, the 2011 Te Matatini Festival will attract upwards of 30,000 participants and visitors.
The six self-adhesive stamps in this compelling issue feature stances that illustrate six aspects of Kapa Haka performance. Each team competing at Te Matatini Festival consists of 20 or more members and performs for 30 minutes, during which time they cover each of the six disciplines of Kapa Haka. The groups featured on the stamps represent excellence at Te Matatini 2009 as defined by Te Matatini Society. The five teams that appear on the stamps achieved a top three overall placing, or were winners of one of the six disciplines.
The individual stamps in this issue are as follows:
60c – Whakaeke
Whakaeke is a choreographed entrance onto the performance area, where elements of all disciplines are utilised. Te Waka Huia of the Tamaki Makaurau region were the winners of Whakaeke in 2009 and placed first in the overall competition.
60c – Poi
Poi is a graceful aspect of the Kapa Haka performance, where the dancer (usually female) swings a raupo ball on the end of a flax cord. In 2009, Te Whanau a Apanui from the Mataatua region were the winners of this discipline, and placed third overall in the competition.
$1.20 – Waiata-a-ringa
Waiata-a-ringa are action songs, where the hands, face, eyes and body combine to bring form to the words. The 2009 winners of Waiata-a-ringa were Te Iti Kahurangi of the Tainui region.
$1.90 – Haka
The Haka is the most widely known discipline, made famous worldwide by New Zealand’s sports teams. It’s an aspect of Maori culture embraced by all New Zealanders, and in 2009, Tuhourangi-Ngati Wahiao of the Te Arawa region were the winners of the Haka performance.
$2.40 – Whakawatea
Whakawatea is a choreographed exit off the performance area, where once again elements of all disciplines are utilised. Te Waka Huia from the Tamaki Makaurau region were also the winners of this discipline in 2009, and placed first overall.
$2.90 – Moteatea
The discipline of Moteatea is a traditional chant, however contemporary compositions are becoming more common. In recognition of Whangara mai Tawhiti (from the Tairawhiti region) placing second overall in Te Matatini 2009, they feature on the Moteatea stamp.
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 17 February 2011 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Six selfadhesive stamps |
| Miniature sheet: | One sheet with six gummed stamps |
| Denominations: | 60c (x2), $1.20, $1.90, $2.40 and $2.90 |
| Stamps and first day cover designed by: | Tai Kerekere, KE Design,Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours |
| Stamp size and format: | 40mm x 30mm (vertical) |
| Paper type: | Self adhesive stamps printed on Avery Dennison B90 Kraft Back WLK5 Adhesive 210gsm. Gummed miniature sheets printed on Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 25 |
| Perforation gauge: | Gummed: 13.33 x 13.60. Self-adhesive: die-cut |
| Period of sale: | Unless stocks are exhausted earlier, these stamps will remain on sale until 16 February 2012 |
