Maori nation honoured by Gorsedd

The Haka will be one of the highlights of the All Blacks' visit to the Millennium Stadium next month, but the first Maori dance of the Autumn was performed at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay as the Gorsedd welcomed Maori visitors to Wales and to honorary Celthood.

Esther Jessop of Ngāti Rānana London Māori Club, dressed in a traditional Korowai robe and accompanied by her soldiers Hone and Puruhi Simpson, accepted the honour on behalf of the Maori people of the four corners of the world.

The visitors made a striking sight as Sian Powell provided musical accompaniment on the Celtic harp. Puruhi, with his traditional facial markings and armed with a ceremonial Taiaha, launched into a Haka originally written for Prince Charles' first visit to New Zealand - although the most familiar Haka is the All Blacks' ferocious war dance, the word Haka refers to all Maori dances.

"It's a poignant occasion, and it's important to tell our stories," Mrs Jessop said. "The Welsh have suffered some of the same problems as we have in trying to keep our language alive. There is a confidence and belief for small nations and ethnic minorities in sharing these stories."

In the 18th Century New Zealand was 100% Maori speaking but by the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi with the British - which is still the subject of legal dispute and compensation claims for the Maori people - Maori was a minority language. By the 1940s, the Maori population had fallen to just 42,000 and urban migration was breaking the people's link with their land. The 1961 Hunn report described New Zealand's native language as simply 'a relic of ancient Maori culture'.

However, the Maori people weren't prepared to allow their culture to become a museumk piece and their language was a key part of that - the Köhanga Reo, which translates as 'nest of language', helped to fight back and by 1987 Maori was recognised as the first official language of New Zealand.

It's now possible for children to be educated in their native tongue and many non Maoris speak it, there are three Maori universities for the Maori population of more than 500,000.

Welcoming the Maori nation to the Celtic nation, chair and crown winner T James Jones and musician Alun Guy presented the visitors with the first copy of a new book, The Bardic Chair and a horn of plenty made by artist David Peterson.

T James Jones apologised for their lack of bardic robes, which can only be worn in Gorsedd, and explained he was subbing for sword bearer Robbie McBride, who was otherwise engaged preparing for another meeting between Wales and New Zealand.

Alun Guy recalled earlier links between New Zealand and Wales. In 1935, the Bardic chair at the Caernarfon Eisteddfod came from New Zealand and was made by Maori craftsmen. It was occupied by the youngest ever winner, Gwynfardd, who went on to become Archdruid. The chair was sponsored by Lady Bledisloe, wife of the Governor General and 'a great patron of the Maori culture' - The All Blacks have just won the Bledisloe trophy, which they contest with Australia.

The Maori delegation sang their thanks and exchanged the traditional 'nose rubbing' greetings with their hosts before toasting the occasion with New Zealand and Welsh wine and Felinfoel beer.

The welcoming of the Maori to honorary Celtic status is linked with CeltFest, the rugby and beer-related celebration of all things Celtic which will set up shop in Cardiff International Arena for the Wales v New Zealand match. Master of Ceremonies Rhodri Glyn Thomas, praised the festival for its contribution to the Welsh economy.

You can find out more about Maori culture at Köhanga Reo National Trust and Virtual New Zealand.

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