A Portrait - 33

Kapa Haka Performer

Cathedral Square, Christchurch

Jan. 2011. Ajr

From the Kete Files

Well Worn

Well Loved

Well Woven

A Kete in the Square

Christchurch

Jan.2011. Ajr

Performing in the Square

A few days ago, I spent a couple of hours hanging about in Christchurch's Cathedral Square. It was a roasting hot, sunny day and the place was packed with locals and visitors alike. Buskers were also out in force - jugglers, a flute player, a singer/guitarist, The Wizard and this young kapa haka group raising funds - I think - for their trip to compete in a kapa haka contest.

I stood and watched them for some time, thinking how good it was that they were willing to get out and 'sing for their supper' as it were. They were very good too. But I was also listening to a much older Maori guy singing and playing the guitar. He had a terrific voice and when it came to making a donation, I chose to my money in his guitar case, rather than in that of the kapa haka group.

But as my $5 note floated down to land among his coins, he suddenly stopped playing and announced "Cool, I have enough for a couple of packets of smokes now. I might call it a day."

I wanted to snatch my $5 back and I felt sick that I was supporting his bad habit rather than the young talents of the kapa haka group.

I'll certainly make a better choice next time. In the meantime, I hope the crowds watching this talented group of young performers have helped them get some way towards their competitions.

Paua - In Contemporary Use

Paua

A shiny rainbow of blues, green and mauves

Captured in a Neck Piece

Cathedral Square Market
October 2010. Ajr

The Art Of Bone

Hei Matau (fish hooks) in Bone

On Sale at the Cathedral Square Markets

Christchurch

May 2010. Ajr

Maori Crafts on Sale

I always enjoy wandering around markets - wherever I go - and here in Christchurch there's a market in Cathedral Square several days a week - at least Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This stall selling Maori crafts is always there and I like to watch visiting tourists react to traditional designs. In all honesty, I'm not sure if these particular articles are made by maori, in new Zealand or not. I must remember to ask next time I'm passing by. The top photograph shows a traditional hei matau, or fish hook, which is now popularly used as a pendant.

To Market, To Market

Maori Carvings

Cathedral Square Market

Christchurch

Dec.2009. Ajr

A Small Visual Moment

Just a Single Carved Moment

At Cathedral Square Market

Christchurch - October

Market Day

Traditional Piupiu

(skirts)

For Sale at Cathedral Square Market
Christchurch

Leaf Prints

I photographed these 'leaf castings' in Cathedral Square. There are about ten of them cast into the base of Neil Dawnson's 'Chalice,' each depicting one of the native trees, ferns or plants of the Christchurch area.