The Hiwa kapa haka group performs a traditional Māori performance at the New Zealand ambassador's official residence in Yongsan District, central Seoul, on May 7. [SEO JI-EUN]
A powerful display of Māori identity — a song and dance comprising the high-intensity haka and melodic waiata — echoed through the New Zealand ambassador's residence in Yongsan District, central Seoul, on Thursday evening.
New Zealand Ambassador Dawn Bennet hosted “New Zealand Culture Night” to celebrate the arrival of the Hiwa Crew, a Māori performance group from Wellington, New Zealand.
In her welcoming remarks, the ambassador described
kapa haka
as a “treasured Māori performing art” that also serves as a vital medium for “passing on history, values, language and identity from one generation to the next.”
Kapa haka is based in the culture of the Māori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand.
The presentation primarily consists of two elements: the waiata, which involves harmonic singing performed mainly by the women in the group, and the haka, a ferocious display of strength and passion typically performed by the men and often seen as quite intimidating, though it is actually a sign of respect.
The Hiwa kapa haka group with the New Zealand Ambassador Dawn Bennet and the Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo at the New Zealand ambassador's residence in Seoul on May 07. [FERGUS GOODALL SMITH]
Guests in attendance included Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo and foreign diplomats from various missions in Seoul.
During the evening, Bennet drew direct parallels between the Māori and Korean cultures, specifically highlighting the importance of “ancestry, which we call
whakapapa; respect for [older adults]; and hospitality.”
“These values remind us that even across oceans and languages, we can all find familiarity and friendship in others,” she said.
The Hiwa Crew and its
iwi
(tribe), the Te Rūnanga Te Ati Awa, gifted a pounamu necklace to Yeo. Pounamu is a greenstone that holds powerful spiritual and cultural value
in New Zealand.
Highlighting the robust ties between the two nations, the trade minister noted how art can bridge differences while referencing the strength of the bilateral FTA.
“Bulgogi is best enjoyed with premium New Zealand beef,” he said, garnering a laugh from the audience.
Virginia “Jinny” Maxwell, the Hiwa group's leader and director, told the Korea JoongAng Daily that it was great to bring a “slice of Aotearoa” to Korea.
The Hiwa Crew, a Māori performance group, performs at the New Zealand ambassador to Korea's residence in Seoul on May 7. [FERGUS GOODALL SMITH]
“Back home, there's always going to be some little bits of negativity toward Māori [people], Māori culture,” she said. “I guess [...] just having even the New Zealanders appreciate us being here — that's probably the biggest flex for us, [...] having the Kiwis [New Zealanders] smile when they see Māori culture.”
The Hiwa group will also perform at the Seoul Friendship Festival in Dongdaemun Plaza this weekend.
Wellington has been a friendship city with Seoul since 2016.
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