Since its inception Hui Takatāpui was based foresight of Te Rōpū Tautoko, with a vision of unity for Takatāpui. In 2022 the 32nd Hui Takatāpui remains steadfast in this vision.
The Board leading this year’s Hui, Mataatua Takatāpui Trust, Ngati-Awa descendants, Wetini Paul, Tu chapman and Tux Hika had initially planned for the hui to be held in Whakatane, but for the sake of access, with Whakapapa ties to Ngāti Awa ki Tāmaki Makaurau Mataatua Marae and its close proximity to transit points – it made sense to host the hui in Auckland.
“2 years of Covid-induced delays, gave us time for a fair amount of community engagement to develop our concept, we think we have got the balance right” says Tux Hika, when asked about what guests of the hui can expect.
This is a chance for LGBTQI+ Māori to unify, for the voice of Takatāpui Māori to be platformed and to celebrate the unique role we have ensuring our communities are better informed.
“The generosity of our community organisation has helped ensure an exciting list of guest speakers and performers. Speaking on Saturday morning is Tangaroa Paul who’s poi skills are the envy of many, talking through their recently completed Master’s thesis Takatāpui; Being of the Māori World, plus sitting MP and tireless champion of Takatāpui visibility Dr Elizabeth Kerekere.” Hika tells us.
“We have panel discussions with Takatāpui representatives of Toitu te Ao, RY, InsideOut, Intersex Aotearoa, Ahako te aha, Tiwhanawhan, Kahukura Pounamu, Nevertheless and Te Ngakau kahukura.
“Te Whāriki Takapou’s Rebekah Anna will present the findings of the Honour Project 2019 a look at the discrimination faced by LGBTQI+ Māori in the health system.
“We’ll hold infostalls with Counting Ourselves, Gender Dynamix, Daily Kai, Stats NZ and key sponsor The Burnett Foundation.
“Ending out the Saturday will be a formal Gala evening to celebrate Takatāpui past and present, with hostess extraordinaire and Hui alum Lady Nanu, entertainment by Te kapa haka o Ngā Uri o Whiti te Rā, Liquid Honey and a guest spot number by the legendary Drag Performer Tess Tickle.
“We would like to thank our sponsors Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, Te Whāriki Takapou, The Tindall Foundation, Foundation North and the Rule foundation,” Concludes Hika.
