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New Zealand Writers' Foundation

Maori Storytelling in New Forms

Nga Aho Whakaari was founded in October 1986 to provide an umbrella professional organization for Maori film-makers and those who work in other communications mediums. The name Nga Aho Whakaari or "the stand of many visions" was given to the group by Waihoroi Shortland, to describe the collaborative and yet at the same time unique contribution of each of its members.

As part of her ongoing New Zealand tour, Joan Scheckel was invited by Nga Aho Whakaari, in partnership with the New Zealand Film Commission and the New Zealand Writers Foundation, to conduct a three day workshop for Maori and Pacific Island writers and filmmakers. The hui was held on the Hoani Waititi Marae, in the West Auckland suburb of Henderson and was coordinated by Ella Henry and Hone Pene, both prominent community leaders.

Forty writers, directors, producers, actors and other performing artists from all over New Zealand assembled over the weekend of Saturday 24th Monday 26th November for an intense and moving celebration of storytelling and investigation of the creative process. The inspirational setting of the wharenui provided a powerful environment for the work and the generous hospitality of Ella and Hone provided the nourishment and emotional support to sustain it.

The hui attracted the participation of some of our greatest Maori and Pacific Island story tellers, including Glynis Paraha, Whetu Fala, Briar Grace-Smith, Kathy Akuhata-Brown, Jillian White, Sima Urale, Rene Naufahu, Christian Penny, Haunui Royal and Mika.

Using elements and scenes from participants stories, Joan took the group through a deep and intense journey of creative exploration and discovery. This involved exercises on the physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual level as well as practical tools for analyzing scripts and providing clarity for the acting process. She also made the participants aware of what, as writers and directors they needed to provide for actors so that they may express their work in more powerful and truthful ways.

In return, the group introduced Joan to some of the elements of Maori storytelling, including korero, waiata and kapa haka as
well as providing her with the political and cultural context of their stories, their characters and myths.

At the end of the third day, the participants thanked Joan for facilitating what they believed would be the creative birth of a powerful new era of stories and films. Joan revealed that she had always wanted to come to New Zealand and that her experiences so far bad truly validated that calling reassured her that now, as a member of the tangata whenua, she would always be welcome to return to this country at any time in the future, for further creative or personal enrichment.
The Writers Foundation would like to deeply and sincerely thank Nga Aho Whakaari, and in particular Ella Henry, Hone Pene, Whetu Fala, Karen Sidney and Jillian White for their determination, efficiency and warmth in realizing this occasion.

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