The NZDF Maori Cultural Group recently performed alongside 13 other nations at the 50th Anniversary of Malaysian Independence in Kuala Lumpur. The group was a tri-service affair with members of the Navy, Army and RNZAF represented. Here are some postcards from members of HMNZS Te Kaha while they were in Malaysia.
Chief Petty Officer Roy Wattie and Able Rate Eruera Shelford at the Kuala Lumpur International Tattoo celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Malaysia's Independence.
Able Rate Eruera Shelford (HMNZS Te Kaha)
Tues 4 Sept, 2007
Kia Ora whanau,
Well I’m here in Kuala Lumpur with the N.Z.D.F Maori Cultural Group and everything is kapai. From day one everyone in the group has been great in helping each other come through as one for our performances.
Getting everyone ready, mentally and vocally psyched up for our performances has been a hard job but with the experience and knowledge of certain members there has been success in bringing our tikanga to Malaysia.
Away from the performance side Kuala Lumpur is a great place. With all the shopping and eating the Malaysians have been keeping our wallets empty and our puku full. I think the only problem we are having here is the fact that nearly every wharepaku is one which we have to squat on, and I’m sure you're finding the picture of a Maori squatting with no bar to hold onto a huge laugh.
There has been many an opportunity for all of us to see the sights of Malaysia with from the beauty of tere twin towers to the puru streets where we try not go too often.
Well whanau, just something short and sweet.
Hope all is sweet back in Aotearoa.
Will see you all soon.
Arohanui
Eru xx
Wed 12 Sept, 2007
Wanau, as we near the end of our journey through this magnificent experience of preparing, and performing for tens of thousands of nationalities for the Kuala Lumpur International Tattoo I’m sure we’re all in some way, glad to be finished.
With the late nights on completion our performance and the 7 o’clock breakfasts I think we can safely say “can’t wait till the next one” hahaha.
Our last performance on Sunday was, for me, the biggest rush of adrenaline I’ve had in a while. With having to be on the flanks for previous performances, to be put in the limelight was a rush like no other. I think the “Hi-marks”, Aaron, Treach, Taaps and myself hitting those notes was a job well done.
With the whole kapa haka doing their part and coming together as one there was nothing stopping us from putting on the best display of each night.
However after the last performance a few of us were bed ridden as we had eaten something that didn’t agree with the puku.
Arohanui
Eru xx
See other Postcards from:
LT Emma Gibbs
Leading Hand Jacquilin Merriman
Chief Petty Officer Roy Wattie