The Role Of Performance Events In The Creation And Sustainability Of A Bicultural Society: A Case Study Of Maori Kapa Haka

Abstract

This thesis will examine how the structure of a singular competitive event can be used as a platform to create and sustain integrated biculturalism. It looks at the background forces behind the premier kapa haka event, Te Matatini, that allows it the perform this bicultural labor, in addition to looking at concrete ways in which it could improve its effectiveness. These forces stem from the connection between sport and national identity and how sporting events act as a conductor for national affiliation. Te Matatini employs most of the structural components of sports: being competitive, organized and regulated, and regularly scheduled. Changes to the experience of a spectators could be useful in broadening participation with the event, currently predominately attended by Māori, to support an integrated form of biculturalism that is often lacking in New Zealand. Some of these changes include: providing translations of events, integrating new technology for more interaction online and off, and possibly forming a competition group of Pākehā specifically.