LOREEN HENARE
Kaiwhakahaere a-Rohe | Regional Director
Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Raukawa ki te tonga, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Whakaue
Loreen has over 30 years’ experience in te ao haka, including competing on stage at Te Matatini, leading as a tutor, supporting kapa as a choreographer, and more recently in her role as Kaiwhakahaere a-Rohe | Regional Director at Te Matatini.
“I’ve performed at Te Matatini for a long time now, and the experiences I had, relationships I’ve made, and learning I’ve been able to receive has led me to this role, providing me the opportunity to continue to serve our people off stage. I’ve been blessed as a performer, tutor, choreographer, leader, administrator, and now as Regional Director.”
Being able to work with people and serve with whakaiti (humility) is paramount to Lor (sic). “Māori are too sharp, and they will sniff out arrogance and agenda before you walk in the door. Listening and patience are critical in serving our Rohe.”
The Regional Team comprises myself, Regional Administrator Teatapo Donoghue, Kapa Haka Administrators Aqua Aukuso and Te Aumihi Prescott, and 12 Pou Takawaenga:
- Te Taitokerau – Chris Henare
- Tāmaki Makaurau – Patsy Whaanga
- Tainui – Francis ‘Frankie’ West
- Te Arawa – Watu Mihinui
- Mataatua – Naomi Herewini-Houia
- Te Tairāwhiti – Te Owaina Gibson
- Ngāti Kahungunu – Elizabeth Clarke
- Te Whanganui a-Tara – Ginny Maxwell
- Rangitāne – Nuwyne Te Awe Awe Mohi
- Te Kāhui Maunga – Cheryl Luke-Maraki
- Te Tauihu o te waka a Maui – Melissa Barnett
- Waitaha – Kerrie-Anna Tana.
“Together we are focused on supporting rohe and all reanga to flourish and that their aspirations are realised.”
There are many wonderful opportunities and kapa haka is for all New Zealanders of all races, gender, age and ability. Reo and tikanga are developed, nurtured, encouraged and challenged. Creativity is expressed and our Pa and Marae are used and therefore are alive.
Te Ao Haka engages our Tamariki at school and is sometimes the single reason a child attends school. Haka nurtures a person’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, and improves social wellbeing through connecting with your community.
“One aspiration I have is for Kaihaka to be recognised similarly to athletes of a high-performance sport, as both require a level of excellence to succeed. Perhaps in time, a form of professionalism may be applied e.g. performers may receive individual recognition as in a medal, trophy or ring like in the big elite sports, or performers are subsidised or paid a performance fee.”
