Tangi Request and Competition Week
A rōpū of 14 performers is preparing a 25-minute set for a regional competition on Saturday. On Wednesday, the kaumātua who composed one of their items dies. His whānau asks the rōpū to perform that item at the tangi on Thursday and to 'keep it for the tangi' - they do not want it performed at the competition because it is too personal. The item is a haka that the rōpū has used as its closing item for two years. Competition rules require a minimum of four items, and the rōpū has only three others ready. Some performers are close whānau of the deceased and are uncertain whether they can perform at all. The kaiako is away at another tangi and cannot be contacted until Thursday morning. The rōpū must decide what to perform, how to support its members, and how to communicate with the competition organisers.
1. Recommend what the rōpū should do about Thursday and Saturday, with reasons.
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Thursday comes first. The rōpū should go to the tangi, support the whānau, and perform the haka only if the whānau still want it and the performers are able. The whānau's request to keep the item for the tangi should be respected. For Saturday, the item should not be performed at competition. With only three other items ready and a minimum of four, the realistic options are to withdraw, ask for dispensation, or perform non-competitively. Adding a new item in two days would be unprepared and unsafe. The most tikanga-consistent choice is to withdraw or seek dispensation, because forcing a replacement would disrespect the whānau's request and the grieving performers. If the group does compete, it must not use the item as a closing crowd-pleaser.
2. Explain how tikanga and duty of care shape the decision.
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Tikanga shapes the decision because the whānau have kaitiakitanga over the composer's item and have set a clear boundary. The tangi is the priority, and using the haka at competition against their wish would be a breach of relationship. Duty of care shapes it because some performers are close whānau and may not be ready to perform at all. The rōpū should allow people to opt out without penalty, provide karakia and debriefing, and avoid pressure to 'be strong' for the competition. A performance group is also a whānau. If the group competes, it must do so with a set that the performers can stand behind emotionally and culturally. Winning is secondary to respecting grief and ownership.
3. What should the rōpū tell the competition organisers, and why?
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The rōpū should contact the organisers as early as possible, in writing, and explain that a taonga item has been withdrawn at the whānau's request and that the group is assessing its readiness after a bereavement. They should ask about withdrawal without penalty or dispensation for the minimum item count. They do not need to disclose private whānau details. Early communication gives the organisers time to adjust the running order and shows good faith. The rōpū should keep the explanation factual and confidential, and should not promise a replacement item unless it can be properly prepared and mandated. This protects the group's reputation and the whānau's privacy.