All our libraries are closed on Show Day Friday 13 November. Musical traditions, in the form of waiata songs and haka dance , were passed down from generation to generation and grew from their Polynesian roots. Many songs are accompanied by movement haka , and rhythmic elements include foot stamping and thigh slapping. Hands, feet, legs, body, voice, tongue, and eyes all play their part in blending together to convey in their fullness the challenge, welcome, exultation, defiance or contempt of the words. He began his musical journey playing jazz, but very soon discovered the rich tradition of native New Zealand music. He has spent his life re-awakening those sounds and bringing them to the people of Aotearoa. Together with the now deceased Hirini Melbourne and master-carver Brian Flintoff , he has re-introduced many New Zealanders to their musical heritage.

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SCIS no: Music is the pattern of sounds produced by people singing or playing instruments. It is also the art of creating or The Maori singing voice is reedy and slightly nasal, the women having more pleasing voices than the men.
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Songs waiata are sung solo, in unison or at the octave. Types of song include lullabies oriori , love songs waiata aroha and laments waiata tangi. Traditionally all formal speeches are followed by a waiata sung by the speaker and their group of supporters.
The Maori are Polynesians living in New Zealand ever since the 11 th century. Their exact origin is unknown. Their own name is derived from Ma-Uri, which means 'Children of Heaven'. Their nickname is 'Vikings of the Sunrise', because they are fierce warriors. Originally they were hunters, but soon became peasants, living of agriculture. Today the ca. Their tribal groupings are derived from the people of each canoe, settling New Zealand in the early times.