Maori arts festival plan
Nelson could be home to a Maori arts festival of national prominence, if a group of enthusiastic iwi leaders get their way.
Those behind the idea to set up an annual Maori arts festival hope to gauge interest with a trial run to tie in with next year’s Nelson Arts Festival.
Ngati Tama kaumatua Judi Billens said the festival idea was ‘‘very much in the early stages’’, but was already generating interest from outside the Nelson region.
‘‘We’re still in the stages of brainstorming it. The council is in favour of it happening, but that’s about as far as we have got at this stage,’’ she said.
Ms Billens said she and the others behind the idea hoped it would one day become an event of national prominence.
Nelson City Council kaihautu (leader for iwi affairs) Geoff Mullen said if interest for the festival was strong after the trial, then it could become a stand-alone event after that.
Mr Mullen said it could incorporate a raft of artists and performers who were inspired by Maori culture, including the region’s own – such as musician Richard Nunns, carver Brian Flintoff and sculptor Tim Wraight.
New Zealand Maori Tourism Council director of operations Butch Bradley said Nelson was the ‘‘perfect’’ place for a Maori arts festival, as it was well known for its artistic community.
He said Wellington already had an annual Maori arts festival, but that did not mean Nelson should not have one too.
Nelson Arts Festival director Sophie Kelly said the festival team had discussed the idea with Mr Mullen and was awaiting a full proposal.
‘‘The festival has a commitment to grow and include Maori and Pacific Island work, so we are looking forward to hearing more about the concept,’’ she said.