Juggling, acrobatics and traditional Māori games will come together at a free event at Ngā Hau e Whā National Marae in Christchurch this Saturday.

Kanohi Kitea, which means “the face that is seen”, runs from 11am on Saturday 17 October and is open to people of all ages, abilities and cultures.

The day is run by Circability Trust, a social circus organisation that works with people with disabilities.

“Kanohi Kitea is a Circability initiative that brings together people with disabilities, Māori communities, and the wider public through the universal languages of circus arts and Māori cultural practices,” hub manager and event organiser Flair McKay said.

It is the third year Circability’s Christchurch hub has hosted the event, but the first time it will be held at a marae.

“This is the first year we’ve been able to align more closely with the kaupapa behind the event by hosting it at Ngā Hau e Whā National Marae.”

The day will begin with a pōwhiri, followed by circus workshops led by Circability tutors and traditional and modern Māori games run by the Māori-led organisation Te Rahi a Māui.

A free shared lunch will be served, followed by more workshops and games, and the day will close with performances from Circability tutors. The marae has plenty of indoor and outdoor space, so the event will go ahead whatever the weather.

“It offers a welcoming space for people to try new skills, experience the joy of learning together, and discover the connections between Māori tākaro and circus arts, while strengthening relationships and a sense of belonging within our community,” McKay said.

Circability cultural adviser Kahuraki Brossan-George, who combines a deep knowledge of mātauranga Māori with circus and performance skills, said the goal was to create something found nowhere else.

“With all we have learned, and all we are still learning, we aim to make Kanohi Kitea a beacon for a truly unique style of circus that could only be created in Aotearoa, and says much about our cultural identity, from our Polynesian origins to our foundational bicultural history, and our cosmopolitan present and future.”

The event is fully accessible and free to attend. It is supported by New Zealand Community Trust, Christchurch City Council and Rātā Foundation.

Kanohi Kitea
When: Saturday 17 October, from 11am
Where: Ngā Hau e Whā National Marae, 250 Pages Road, Aranui
Cost: Free, including lunch