What is MASPAC?

Tu Tangata, Issue 14, 1 October 1983, Page 40

What is MASPAC?

The Council for Maori and South Pacific Arts affectionately known as MASPAC was set up in 1978 as part of the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council.

Its overall function is to encourage, promote and develop the practice and appreciation of the arts and crafts of the Maori and South Pacific people in New Zealand.

Some of the service MASPAC provides include:

acting as a contact on Maori and South Pacific cultural activities for government agencies, educational groups, Maori and marae committees, Pacific Island organisations and other groups; explaining Arts Council grants and making people aware of other funding organisations;

acting as a liaison between people involved in cultural activities and the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council; arranging hui for the promotion and preservation of Maori and Pacific arts; identifying cultural needs of Maori and South Pacific people; administering funding schemes under which grants are made to groups and individuals;

administering the Cultural Facilities Scheme run by the New Zealand Lottery Board.

MASPAC is made up of eight members plus a Chairman, all appointed by the Minister for the Arts in consultation with the Minister of Maori Affairs.

Present membership is: Chairman Kingi M Ihaka (Auckland) Archdeacon of Taitokerau, VicarGeneral of the Bishopric of Aotearoa, Chairman of the New Zealand Polynesian Festival Committee, Vice-Chair-man South Pacific Arts Council, Composer. Council Members Afioga Le Mamea-Taulapapa Sefulu I loane (Auckland) Matai from the Island of Savai’i, Samoa, Director of the Pacific Islanders Educational Resource Centre, Auckland. Ratu Daniela (Auckland) From Aitutaki in the Cook Islands, leader of the Aitutaki Enua Cultural Group. Waana Davis (Palmerston North) Senior Mistress at Awatapu College, Palmerston North. Johnny Frisbie-Hebenstreit (Dunedin) From the Island of Pukapuka in the Cook Islands, born in Tahiti and educated in Hawaii, expert in Pacific dance. Edwina Diana Patricia Walker (Auckland) Born in American Samoa and educated in Western Samoa, extensive involvement in women’s affairs, particularly as first President of the Pacific Women’s organisation Pacifica. Cliff Whiting (Russell) An artist who has worked extensively

on marae projects and in the Department of Education. Toi Te Rito Maihi (Auckland) Schoolteacher and artist, her work is based on Maori design, particularly taniko designs. Has carried out extensive research into weaving and weavers throughout New Zealand. Charles Tohara Mohi (Hastings) Cultural Officer for the Department of Maori Affairs, Hastings. Former private secretary to Minister of Maori Affairs, Mr Couch, Chairman of 1983 Host Committee for the New Zealand Polynesian Festival. Past Members Georgina Kirby Secretary of New Zealand Maori Artists and Writers Society, first Vice-President of Maori Women’s Welfare League. Ngoi Pewhairangi from Tokomaru Bay. Has worked extensively in Maori communities throughout New Zealand. Contemporary composer. Te Napi Tutewehiwehi Waaka from Hamilton. Methodist Minister, currently working as assistant district officer for Department of Maori Affairs in Hamilton. Composer. MASPAC employes three full-time staff. They are: Arts Council Assistant Director Piri Sciascia Executive Officer Eric Tamepo Secretary Karen Waterreus

Advisors to MASPAC

Cook Island Advisors Tapairu Tereora; Deborah Tamaiua; Winnie Wichman. Niue Advisors Lagi Sipeli, Aiau Kaulima. Samoan Advisors Rev. Risatisone Ete; Rev Kenape Faletoese; Puni Raea. Tokelauan Advisors John Teao; Michael Perez. Tongan Advisors Kilifi Heimuli; Maile Tonga; Uliti Pala. Contemporary Maori Art Administration Advisors Para Matchitt; Georgina Kirby; Maaka Jones. Contemporary Commercial Maori and Pacific Island Music Advisors Taura Eruera; Armand Crown; Bernie Allen; Ray Columbus; Haare Williams; Terence O’Neill; Maui Prime; Will IIolahia; Henare Te Ua; Kevin Oliff. Contemporary Maori Art Training Advisors Jacob Scott; Emily Schuster. Traditional Maori Performing Arts Advisors Bill Kerekere; Vicky Ward. Traditional Maori Visual Arts Advisor Emily Schuster Language Arts (Whaikorero) Advisors Wiremu Parker; Sue Waiwiri; Josh Stewart; Hirini Mead; Te Otinga Waretini; Huirangi Waikerepuru.