The policing of trans bodies should be a red flag for all of us
Attempts to define gender and bodies by law is all too familiar to disabled people, making this an important moment to show up in solidarity, writes Henrietta Bollinger.
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Kaihaka perform at Te Hoenga Waka Kapa Haka Festival. Photo credit: Becki Moss
Karanga maha shine at Northern region kapa haka festival
Image description: A large audience in a darkly-lit theatre watch the festival with captivated expressions at Te Hoenga Waka Kapa Haka Festival.
Image description: A group of kaihaka, their kaiako and supporters are standing in a group backstage, getting ready. They are wearing tīpare and some male performers are shirtless. There is a sense of anticipation in the air.
Image description: Heather Coburn has ta moko applied to her chin by her Kaiwhakaako. She looks proud.
Image description: Ellen Armstrong has ta moko applied to her chin by her Kaiwhakaako. Other members of the rōpu gather in the background, getting ready.
Image description: A close-up of Ellen Armstrong from the previous photograph with ta moko applied; they are looking straight at the camera with an uncompromising expression.
Image description: Dylan Manuel wearing a tīpare with ta moko on his chin does a pukana to the camera. It is clear he is excited to perform.
Image description: A group of kaihaka huddle and practice backstage. They're wearing various traditional garments including tīpare and a feather korowai.
Image description: The kaihaka of Te Rōpu o te Hauāuru o Tāmaki walk downstairs and make their way towards the stage.
Image description: Teresa Nicol (Ngāi Tahu) shares a hug backstage as their rōpū gets ready to go on the stage.
Image description: Kaiwhakaako Mary Bradfield has a guitar over her shoulder and talks to the rōpū members, as they wait for the current group to finish performing.
Image description: The rōpū members line up and anxiously wait in the wings of the stage. They are ready to go, and awaiting the call to move on to the stage.
Image description: The rōpū members line up, with Elaine Havea holding a photograph of Lena Zhang Harrap, who was an important part of their group until her life was tragically taken in 2021.
Image description: Performer Teresa Nicol stands alone on a stage underneath purple lights. She calls to her rōpu as they enter stage left to join alongside her.
Image description: The members of Te Rōpu o te Hauāuru o Tāmaki perform on stage with pink poi. They look focused, excited and happy to be singing together.
Image description: The kaihaka of Te Rōpu o te Hauāuru o Tāmaki perform on stage with poi. The photo is black and white. Members of the rōpu are looking at each other, twirling poi, and singing.
Image description: Ta’a Patanga performs a passionate haka. He has his arms outstretched, looking fiercely into the crowd.
Image description: Tane members of the rōpū perform a haka. Their arms are raised in the air, and their expressions are fierce. The photo is black and white.
Image description: Ta’a Patanga poses on stage following the haka, surrounded by other tane. He looks proud of his performance, as the crowd applauds.
Image description: Backstage of Te Hoenga Waka Kapa Haka Festival shows multiple screens, audio equipment and other technology used to create the conditions for the performers on stage.
Image description: IDEA Services' Kaitakawaenga, Taki Peeke, stands backstage wearing a headset with mic and a black suit.
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