Maori Culture Group Formed In Geraldine

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32117, 13 October 1969, Page 2

Maori Culture Group Formed In Geraldine

(from Out Own Riforttr)

UMARU, October 12. Although Mr Nepia Osborne, a shearer by trade and a guitarist in his wife’s newly formed Maori culture group, may often be tempted to play “Click go the shears, boys,” he has shown admirable restraint.

Star of the musical group is Mrs Hapai Osborne, a member of the Ngati-Kahungunu tribe, in Hawke's Bay. Mrs Osborne, who has lived in Geraldine for three yean and a half, was a member of the Nga Waka Maori group, which toured New Zealand, and later a member of the Te Arohanui Maori group, which visited America and also performed at the opening of a Polynesian village in Hawaii. The history of the Geraldine Maori Club to brief—a matter of about 12 weeks but the

culture group, which Mn Osborne was asked to form, embraces centuries of culture and tradition. With her knowledge of pels, action songs, and stick games, and an inherent regard for the artistry of her race, Mn Osborne has brought pride and deep respect for Maori culture and folklore. Mrs Osborne rehearsed her group for many hours before it made its debut at a hang! organised by the Geraldine Lions Club. Eventually, the group will go on tour, with its sights set on the South Island Maori competitions.

i The membership of the ■ group te about half Maori i and half European. It includes several school children. I Mn Osborne’s four-year-old i daughter. Wikttoria, knows 1 Maori songs, and may soon , join the comMnation. Mr Osborne, who comes > from the Waikato, to one of i two guitarists. There is also ■ a banjo player. i AU members of the group . are embroidering their own i canvas bodices, but the de- ' signs are intricate and take i time.

Primarily the club has been formed to revive interest in Maori culture, but it is the aim of the group to build up a large enough repertoire to enable it to perform at concerts, and so raise funds to purchase its own expensive piu plus. In the New Year, classes will be held in basket-weaving the construction of piu plus, and tantko, which is similar to tapestry work. Women will be taught the double long poi, and an approach has been made to teachers in Christchurch to demonstrate mat and basket weaving.