Season 4, Episode 1
Please note: This podcast is spoken in te reo Māori & English
A member of the internationally recognised Waihirere Māori Club for over twenty years, Teina Moetara (Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga ā Mahaki, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Te Whānau ā Kai, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Ruanui) is co-founder and tutor of Manutuke-based kapa haka Tū Te Manawa Maurea. His professional journey includes significant roles in education, and his artistic talents have been showcased on international stages, including the Disney theatrical production of ‘The Lion King’. Teina has an applied Masters in indigenous knowledge and is now the Kaihautū of Rongowhakata Trust.
In this episode of He Reo Tawhito: Conversations about Mōteatea, Teina shares his journey, insights, and the profound influence of mōteatea on his life. Growing up in a vibrant community, Teina recalls the introduction he received to mōteatea from his elders. “And so you hear not just the songs that they're singing or the little pao, but how they sing, and how they would take time, and how they would articulate, and how they would have that glint in their eye. And they would teach in that way by modelling.”
Living with muscular dystrophy has given Teina a unique perspective, heightening his sensitivity to the subtleties of sound and expression. He shares how this condition allowed him to perceive the world differently, focusing on intricate details others might overlook. His approach to creativity emphasises stillness and deep listening, which he integrates into his artistic process.
“You have to listen to it without Western and musical ears in that way. You have to listen to what are the sounds of the environment? What are they doing? How are they moving? How are they flowing? How are they entering into your taringa, and how are they moving around? How do they move you?”
But what is the relevance of mōteatea in this day and age? Teina argues that mōteatea are not just relics of the past but living, breathing expressions that offer guidance and insight for contemporary life. "Our mōteatea are built for our young people to live and learn through them," he asserts, urging listeners to engage with these taonga and incorporate their wisdom into daily life.
Teina offers a compelling call to action: "The world of te ao Māori and this world that we're speaking about is there with you, whether you can see it or not. Take this tool, use it, learn it, because it will give you more access to your world that you're currently in." His words resonate with a profound message about the enduring value of mōteatea, and the power within.
E mihi kau ana ki te Tira tautoko ki He Reo Tawhito, wāhanga tuawhā
Kaiuiui | Interviewer: Crystal Edwards
Mātanga | Expert: Teina Moetara
Tira Hanga Hōtaka Māori | Production team
Kaihautu Matua | Executive Producers: Diana Marsh, Claire Szabó
Kaihautu Puoro Māori, Kaiwhakahaere Hanga Hōtaka Māori | Director of Māori Māori Music and Programmes: Toni Huata
Kairuruku Hanga Hōtaka Māori | Coordinator of Māori Programmes: Kirsten Te Rito
Kaitohutohu Hanga Hōtaka Māori | Adviser of Māori Programmes: Roger Smith
Kaituitui Hanga Hōtaka Māori | Coordinator of He Reo Tawhito: Ngahuia Maniapoto
Kaiwhakahaere Whakatairanga | Marketing Manager: Leoné Venter
Kaitohu Puoro, Ratonga | Music, Services Adviser and Copy Writer: Jonathan Engle
Kaiwhiriwhiri Hanga Hōtaka Māori | Māori Programme Liaison, Media: Robyn Walker
Kaiāwhina Hanga Hōtaka | Production Assistance: Sarah Ballard, Isobelle Walker, Grace Walker, Yeonhee Lee, Aisyah Dzulkiflee.
He mihi nui ki te tira tautoko | Special thanks to:
Kaihanga Kiriata | Film Maker: Renegade Peach Project (Director, DOP, Editor) Mark Russell, (Camera Operator) Arlo Edwards, (Lighting) Josiah Nevell
Taupuni Hopuoro | Sound Studio: Matrix Digital, Phill Adams, Simon Blackwell (Sound Technicians)
Kaiwhakatauira Whakanikoniko | Graphic Design & Cover Art: IDIA, Johnson Witehira, Kimiora Whaanga
Kaiwhakamāori | Translation : E Tā, Stephanie Tibble
Kaikarakia, Kaitautoko: Adrian Tangaroa Wagner
Kaimanaaki, Kaitautoko: James Illingworth, Moana Leota
Ringa Whakapai Āhua | Makeup: Michelle Trigger
Book a Bach, Airbnb, CJ Hāngi’s.
Te Wāhi | Locations: Bach of the year ‘Harakeke’, Waikanae Beach
This podcast is supported by funding from Manatū Taonga | The Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
© Copyright Centre for New Zealand Music Trust
He Reo Tawhito Conversations about Mōteatea Awarded a Silver and two Bronze awards in the 2022 NZ Podcast Awards.
