Some Critical Thoughts On Competitions

Te Ao Hou, December 1965, Page 45

Some Critical Thoughts On Competitions by Alan Armstrong Scarcely a month passes without a sizeable Maori cultural competition being held in some part of the country, and there are probably very few major Maori entertainment groups which do not participate, at least once annually, in these competitive events. Competitions are very important occasions, and provide a new dimension in Maori cultural experience for many groups. There are an opportunity for parties from a large area to meet together and to combine fellowship with friendly rivalry—a rivalry which produces a sort of cross-pollination. By measuring its standards against those of other groups, each party enriches its experience, improves its quality and get new ideas in presentation and composition. Because they provide an entertaining and colourful spectacle, the competion concerts enable Maoritanga to reach out to a much wider audience (which often includes many Pakehas) than would be the case on a purely tribal occasion.