I've been in and out of recovery for decades and some of the recovery places have kapa haka groups, so I’m enjoying going to kapa haka and finding it a nice social environment. I have dyslexia and quite often if someone says something to me quickly, I can't pick it up because I have trouble perceiving audible cues.
So in the beginning, I felt bad I was slowing them down because I was learning it. It's gotten better now partly because I've had the time to sit down with the computer and YouTube, slow down, read and strum through the songs.
I’m quite happy muddling along with Kapa haka, and gradually learning te reo Māori. I'm getting better reading te reo Māori and starting to, through osmosis, pick up on words, what they mean, and the protocols.
I wish there were more residents. I think the barrier to them getting in sometimes is not knowing about it, or it just looks too overwhelming with so many people in the room. They’re all a friendly bunch and the facilitator is quite good. If you enjoy music and singing you should come along.
Glen is pictured during Kapa haka. Photograph by Margaret, Cultural Advisor at Kāhui Tū Kaha.