I was pleased to read yesterday that the Department of State has selected our good friend the Reverend Uesifili Unasa as its global International Exchange Alumni Member of the Month for April.

A resident of Auckland, Rev. Unasa is an alumnus of our International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), having traveled to the United States a couple years ago on our 2011 Community Activism and Minority Rights IVLP study tour.

As I described in a prior post, the IVLP is State’s premier professional exchange program, designed to build mutual understanding  through carefully designed short-term visits to the U.S. for current and potential overseas leaders in a variety of fields including education, the arts, business, politics, philanthropy, community organizing, and media.

The trips are organized to reflect the International Visitors’ professional interests. Each IVLP is typically 2 or 3 weeks long. In total, the program brings more than 4,000 International Visitors to the U.S. from all over the world each year. Since its inception in 1940, the program has hosted more than 200,000 people, including 300 current and former Chiefs of State and Heads of Government … thousands of cabinet-level ministers … and many other distinguished leaders from the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.

The 2011 IVLP on which we sent Rev. Unasa brought two dozen community leaders from around the world to North Carolina, Texas, Hawaii, California, and Washington, D.C. to engage in discussions with and study the work of American grassroots activists, NGOs, and community groups. While in Washington, Rev. Unasa was able to visit the new monument to one of his heroes, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and to stand at the spot at the Lincoln Memorial where Dr. King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963.

The State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has an International Exchange Alumni Affairs Division which facilitates networking among alumni and supports them as they build on their exchange experiences. Each month that Division considers the ongoing work of the tens of thousands of alumni of IVLP and other U.S. exchange programs, and confers the Alumnus of the Month award on an outstanding individual making a significant difference in his or her home country.

I am delighted that Alumni Affairs has wisely selected Rev. Unasa to be honored this April. Throughout the month he will be recognized on ECA’s International Exchange Alumni website for his life-long dedication to New Zealand’s Pasifika and other marginalized communities, as well as for the impactful new projects that he has launched since his return from his U.S. study tour. Below is a short interview of Rev. Unasa in which he talks about his trip, his work, and his background:

 

Rev. Unasa is currently the Maclaurin Chaplain at the University of Auckland. He graduated from the University with a degree in History and Political Studies, and earned a degree in Theology from the University of Otago. He trained for the ministry at Piula Theological College in Samoa, Knox Theological Hall in Dunedin, and Trinity Methodist College in Auckland. Ordained into the Methodist Church in 1995, he spent a decade in parish ministry.

In the two years since his IVLP study tour, Rev. Unasa mobilized Pacific Islands communities in New Zealand to take part in The Advance Pasifika March for Our Future, to highlight those communities’ social, economic, political, and cultural needs and concerns. As Chairperson of the Auckland Mayor’s Pacific People’s Advisory Panel, he organized a dialogue with Pasifika church leaders, politicians, and community groups to share perspectives on LGBT marriage equality.

Rev. Unasa is also active in the Living Wage campaign which seeks fair wages for unskilled and manual laborers. He organized consultations between Pasifika communities and the government of New Zealand on constitutional reform. With a Maori Anglican vicar, a Fijian Indian Muslim academic, and New Zealand’s Children’s Commissioner, he launched the Interfaith National Settlement against Violence campaign for women and children, to which more than 40 faith-based organizations and national leaders have already subscribed.

The good Reverend certainly keeps busy, making a powerful positive difference not only within the Samoan and other Pacific Islander communities in Auckland but within wider New Zealand society as well. He is a superb exemplar of a life well lived in the service of others, and I am delighted to see him honored by the State Department.

The only downside to my recent trip to Hong Kong for the Willem Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot was that I unfortunately missed a very special event here in New Zealand — the official launch of Hawaiian Airlines service between Auckland and Honolulu. The arrival of this high-quality American airline will offer Kiwis a convenient way to visit our glorious 50th State, as well as a comfortable, convenient, and cost-attractive new route to enter the U.S., including for transit to other destinations.

To start, Hawaiian will operate three flights each week between Honolulu and Auckland. Flights south will leave Honolulu at 1:45 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, arriving in Auckland at 9:55 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Flights north will leave Auckland at 11:55 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, landing in Honolulu at 9:45 a.m. the same day (with plenty of time to hit the beach as soon as you collect your luggage.)

I have been through Honolulu International Airport many times, and I know that it is a quick, easy, and very friendly point of entry to the United States. If you are simply transitting Honolulu you can easily connect to other Hawaiian Airlines flights to New York City, Las Vegas, Seattle, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Phoenix, as well as various international destinations.

If your intention is to explore paradise for awhile on holiday or business – a plan that I highly recommend – Hawaiian Airlines operates more than 150 flights a day among cities, towns, and resorts within the Hawaiian archipelago. Beyond Honolulu lies the rest of Oahu and the other islands — Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, the Big Island (Hawaii), Niihau, and Kahoolawe. Globally synonymous with tropical splendor, our 50th State requires little or no introduction.

As I mentioned in my prior post about the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Hawaii combines the best of all worlds — pristine environments, enormous biodiversity, exotic habitats, sublime year-round tropical climate, unspoiled land and seascapes bursting with color, remote getaways, and sense of distance from the crush of modern life, coupled with highly developed infrastructure, service-oriented hospitality, safe water, easy transport, and well-established travel and tourism options.

There really is something for everyone in Hawaii. Whether your approach to recreation is more like an adventuresome Indiana Jones, or a luxury-driven Paris Hilton, or an outdoors-loving surfer Duke Kahanamoku, or just a tired aspiring beachcomber looking to decompress, there’s a deeply satisfying Hawaiian sojourn waiting for you.

For more information about the distinct pleasures of the individual islands, festivals and events calendars, adventure and eco-tourism options, and how to plan a visit, see the State’s official travel website, www.GoHawaii.com, as well as the destination guides on the Hawaiian Airlines website. You will likely be suprised at the great diversity of options, itineraries, and activities available.

Hawaiian Airlines has been providing the most authentically Hawaiian travel experience to and from the Hawaiian Islands since 1929. Its genuine aloha spirit has earned the airline the top ranking as the nation’s best carrier for service quality and performance in three of the past four years. The airline has had the best on-time performance of all U.S. carriers in each of the past nine years. Consumer surveys by Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Zagat have all ranked Hawaiian in a class by itself. And I think Kiwis will appreciate the American-style fares.

Several of my colleagues attended the official launch party held at the Langham Hotel on March 15th, a superb event that recreated the feel, flavor, and energy of Hawaii for tourism industry professionals and the greater Auckland business community. The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Mark Dunkerley, hosted an evening of entertainment that included classical hula dancing, traditional Hawaiian music, and Hawaiian canapés. I have heard nothing but rave reviews.

 

The inaugural flight itself was also very special, carrying Hawaiian’s senior management, Native Hawaiian and Maori dignitaries, and crewmembers of the Hawaiian sailing canoe Hokule’a which in 1985 crossed the Pacific from Hawaii to Waitangi to reintroduce the practice of celestial navigation to Aotearoa. The flight and the reception were powerful reminders of the deep connections between the great Polynesian cultures of Hawaii and Aotearoa.

Regular readers of my blog will know that this is not the first time I’ve talked about Hawaii. Back in 2011, our Independence Day celebrations were Hawaiian-themed, with singers, dancers, musicians, and food from Honolulu. In both 2012 and 2013 we brought hula dancers from the Ka Laua’e Foundation for the Pasifika Festival in Auckland. We have sent Kiwis on study tours to Hawaii, including conservation advocate Nicola Toki and Tuia Group Director Toko Kapea. And just several months ago, I profiled the world-class University of Hawaii.

Despite all those projects and articles, we’ve only scratched the surface. Come see for yourself. There’s a lot to explore. I’ve been to four of the islands, and each has its own distinct character, environment, and charm. You’ll be surprised, delighted, and invigorated at each turn. And now you can begin your aloha experience as soon as you board your Hawaiian flight here in New Zealand.

Based on my own personal experiences, I believe that my friends at the Hawaii Tourism Authority actually understate their case:

“The fresh, floral air energizes you. The warm, tranquil waters refresh you. The breathtaking, natural beauty renews you. Look around. There’s no place on earth like Hawaii. Whether you’re a new visitor or returning, our unique islands offer distinct experiences that will entice any traveler. We warmly invite you to explore our islands and discover your ideal travel experience.”

The native fleet of paradise, Hawaiian Airlines, will now carry you directly there. 

E komo mai o Hawai’i.  Aloha.

Believe it or not, you don’t hear “thank you” very much when you are in government service. So of course I was tickled to see the following advertisement in the Samoa Observer recently. Not just thanks. Special thanks. Made my day.

Thanks for what, you might ask. Well, as part of our cultural program at the Embassies, we brought San Francisco-based hip hop / reggae  musicians Audiopharmacy to Auckland and Apia for a series of performances and school visits. Because I was previously committed to be in Hong Kong that week, Dr. McWaine squired the group on my behalf.

Our friends at Y-not Bar in Apia graciously hosted Audiopharmacy for what the Doc tells me was a particularly legendary show on Saturday night. The club was packed. Almost everyone was dancing. And famed Samoan musician Ben Vai joined Audiopharmacy on stage for an impromptu jam that brought the house down. It doesn’t get much better.

I’ll be writing more about Audiopharmacy’s tour and school visits once I get caught up on the piles of work that accumulated while I was in Hong Kong. In the meantime, though, ”big ups” (as Audiopharmacy would say) to Jay, Tasi, Jordin, Afi, the Ozki Band, and everyone else involved for making the Y-not event possible. You are true class acts.

So, thank you Y-not for the thanks. Right back at you.

One of the highlights of my busy schedule last month was traveling to Rotorua for the world’s largest celebration of Māori performing arts, the biennial Te Matatini Kapa Haka Festival. Because I was out of the country, my Consul General Jim Donegan attended the early part of the Festival on my behalf, but I arrived in time to catch the full final day of the competition.

Meaning “dance in a row,” kapa haka is a suite of dances and songs of various types woven together into a single performance that tells a story or conveys a lesson. The short, popularized haka often performed at sporting events should not mislead you. Kapa haka is a sophisticated performance art with complex movements, a wide range of emotions, and rich historical and intellectual content.

The kapa haka tradition has existed since pre-European times. Today, kapa haka provides a platform for Māori cultural development and Te Reo retention. Te Reo, the Māori language, has always been an oral language, passed down to each generation through grand oratory and song. Kapa haka provides an avenue for all ages to speak the language and learn about traditions, historic figures, myths, and legends.

Te Matatini Society is the national organization for kapa haka and other Māori performing arts in New Zealand. The Society provides funding and support for kapa haka training and development, and works to promote Māori performing arts in schools, at festivals, and at regional, national, and international events.

The pinnacle of Te Matatini Society’s efforts is the biennial national Kapa Haka Festival which draws dozens of highly accomplished teams from across New Zealand and Australia to compete for the title of grand champion. The Festival is a major event on the Aotearoa cultural calendar and draws many thousands of spectators.

This year there were 41 teams from New Zealand and Australia in the competition, performing over the course of three days. A panel of judges evaluated the teams on their mastery of the 7 main kapa haka component disciplines – waiata tira (chorals and hymns), whakaeke (stage entrance), mōteatea (chants), poi (graceful unison swinging by females of balls attached to cords), waiata-a-ringa (action song using expressive hand movements), haka (war dance and chant), and whakawatea (stage exit).

The teams performed on a huge stage embraced by a stunning mahau (“front porch”) more than 42 feet (13 m) tall and spanning almost 100 feet (30 m). Carved from 26 tons of native wood by 30 craftsmen at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, the mahau is topped by Tangaroa, god of the sea and grand connector of all peoples of the Pacific. Beneath Tangaroa is Ruatepupuke, who spirited the art of carving away from the gods. He constitutes a challenge to performers to bring their best, to judges to be just, and to the crowd for support. Unveiled this year, the mahau will be a permanent fixture of Te Matatini.

Upon arrival, Dr McWaine and I were welcomed by Selwyn Tanetoa Parata, Chairman of Te Matatini Society. We had the pleasure of sitting with His Highness Kiingi Tuheitia and Her Highness Te Atawhai throughout the day. Between performances we chatted with other guests including the Governor General His Excellency The Rt. Hon. Sir Jerry Mateparae, Members of Parliament the Hons. Hekia Parata and Pita Sharples, and my good friend Pa Ariki of the Cook Islands (in whose house we stayed when Secretary Clinton visited Rarotonga).

I was happy that a simultaneous translation was available so that Dr. McWaine, other non-Māori speakers, and I could understand the sung stories and the meaning behind the dances and gestures. At one point I was surprised to get a shout out from the stage from my new friend emcee Temuera Morrison, perhaps best known for his lead role in the film Once Were Warriors (and for playing Jango Fett in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones).

I took advantage of a couple of the breaks between performances to stroll the Festival grounds, chat with other spectators, and visit the many arts, crafts, jewelry, clothing, and food stalls. I enjoyed talking with some of the artisans, and I bought myself a large seashell for my office as well as a knitted tiger hat to wear at my next Princeton reunion. I saw quite a few other things that I liked, but I’m on a diplomat’s salary these days so I resisted.

Particularly interesting were the information tents staffed by various enterprises including the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, NZ Army, NZ Police, Department of Corrections, Department of Conservation, NZ Fire Service, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa university, and Waikato University. I had a long conversation about recidivism reduction strategies with my friends from Corrections, and I posed with my Kiwibank friends in their little green promo car that just returned from New York City. I took (and was taken in) lots of photos.

Of course, the main event was the performance competition. I saw all nine finalist teams perform over the course of the day:

• Te Waka Huia, Auckland
• Te Whānau a Apanui, Bay of Plenty
• Tū Te Manawa Maurea, Gisborne
• Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti, Gisborne
• Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti, Bay of Plenty
• Te Mātārae i Ōrehu, Rotorua
• Te Pou o Mangataawhiri, one of Kiingi Tuheitia’s groups from Turangawaewae
• Waihirere, Gisborne
• Te Iti Kahurangi, one of Kiingi Tuheitia’s groups from Turangawaewae

I did not at all envy the judges their task. All of the performances were powerful and impressive, and I would have found it difficult to select a favorite. I enjoyed both the strictly traditional elements as well as cross-over innovations using popular songs and contemporary movements and gestures.

Among the vignettes that particularly struck me were Te Iti Kahurangi’s “moving forward” theme and “choo choo” formation, as well as Te Mātārae i Ōrehu’s superb reenactment of the tale of Hatupatu and the bird woman Kurungaituku of Te Arawa. And Te Whānau a Apanui’s dramaticization of ancestral history.

After the last finalist performed, the judges deliberated at length. Kiingi Tuheitia, Chairman Parata, the judges, and other dignitaries then convened on stage to present prizes in various categories and disciplines. Despite the teams’ laborious preparation, impressive achievements, and excellent performances, however, not everyone could win. Unfortunately.

Overall first place went to Te Waka Huia, marking their fifth national title. Following closely in overall 2nd place was Te Whānau a Apanui. Tied for third place were Te Iti Kahurangi, Tū Te Manawa Maurea, and Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti. You should be able to find a full list of the many individual and team prizes on Te Matatini Society’s website.

From start to finish it was an exciting, exhilarating, meaningful, and highly entertaining day. I am deeply grateful to Chairman Parata and Te Matatini Society for the invitation and for their gracious manaakitanga. I thoroughly enjoyed joining the other 15,000 spectators for the finals, and I very much look forward to returning to Te Matatini in the future.

I encourage you as well to attend the Kapa Haka Festival next time around. Based on my experience, I’m sure you’ll be glad you did. For those of you who like planning ahead, the next national Festival is scheduled for 2015 in Christchurch. In the meantime, you can enjoy a variety of local and regional events sponsored by Te Matatini Society.