Maori culture on show at Willowbank
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch offers Ko Tāne (Maori god of the forest), a cultural performance set within the natural environment of Willowbank.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a long established privately owned and operated attraction that specialises in New Zealand rare, endangered and introduced animals with an interactive theme.
Dave Brennan (formally of Nga Hau E Wha National Marae) manages the operations of the Maori cultural performances at Willowbank.
‘I remember as a child coming out to Willowbank as part of the opening of the Maori Village and have always felt an affinity to the place. This is a fantastic opportunity for local Maori employment, to showcase our culture and incorporate many of the elements of nature that are so important in our culture’s development,’ says Brennan.
‘Ko Tane’ includes a powhiri (welcome), poi (action dance), haka (war dance) and waiata (Maori song). In future ‘Ko Tane’ may include a guided night tour of the wildlife reserve on which visitors will learn about New Zealand’s flora and fauna in a purely Maori way including myth and knowledge about traditional natural medicines.
Performances held nightly at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm are set amongst the native bush on a purpose built stage in the shape of a fern. Visitors are encouraged to have a go at poi and haka, fitting with the interactive theme already established at Willowbank.
Further information:
Kathy Rangi
Phone +64 3 359 6226
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