Rochelle Walker Takes the Stage to Inspire at Te Waitini Festival

Rochelle Walker, a community support worker at Wairarapa Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), is set to perform on stage for the first time at the upcoming Te Waitini festival. This event, taking place on October 22, 2023, at Wairarapa College, aims to celebrate the region’s mental health and addiction services through the vibrant medium of kapa haka.

Walker, who has struggled with debilitating anxiety, views this performance as a pivotal moment not only for herself but also for the young clients she supports. By sharing her journey into the spotlight, she hopes to encourage them to “push through the tough stuff and find their sparkle.” The festival, which Walker is helping to organize alongside cultural advisor Jimbo Ratapu, will feature a variety of performances that highlight the significance of Māori culture and community connection.

A Celebration of Culture and Community Connection

Te Waitini will showcase six groups representing nine hauora support organizations, each performing an eight-minute kapa haka bracket that includes waiata, haka, mōteatea, and action songs. For many participants, this will be a return to performing in a language that has become distant over the years. To elevate the experience, a competitive element has been introduced, with a cash prize awarded to the top-performing group, which will then donate the funds to a charity of their choice.

The overarching message of the festival is encapsulated in the whakataukī “Aro ki te hā,” or “focus on the smile.” This reflects the intent to celebrate joy through communal singing, storytelling, and fostering connections among participants.

Walker emphasized the importance of this initiative as a way for mental health providers to engage with the community outside of clinical settings. She noted that many participants, including health workers, are stepping out of their comfort zones, which they encourage their clients to do. “If we, as health workers, can’t do the same and walk the talk, how can we walk alongside our communities?” Walker said.

Empowering Through Performance

The inaugural Te Waitini festival will feature groups from organizations such as Whaiora, Pathways Wairarapa, Te Pā Hau Ora, Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, and Rangitāne o Wairarapa Inc. A combined team of staff from CAMHS, Adult Mental Health Services, and the Central Regional Public Health Service will also participate. Guest performances will include the kapa haka team Te Rōpū Manaaki from IDEA Services and Tai Kura o Wairarapa, which comprises local kaumatua.

Under Ratapu’s mentorship, these groups have received guidance in developing their performances, with the only requirement being the inclusion of a “Wairarapatanga song.” Ratapu explained, “They can do poi, or haka, or incorporate modern dance or items from other cultures. It doesn’t have to be strictly traditional.” He emphasized the transformative power of performance, noting that it allows participants to “ignite the breath” and connect with their cultural identity.

The process has proven rewarding, particularly for those who initially hesitated to participate. Ratapu observed a remarkable transformation, stating, “At first, some people were like, ‘hell no, I’m not doing that.’ Then we’d do a rehearsal a couple of weeks later, and they’d blow me away.” He highlighted how these experiences are not just about performance but also about personal growth and self-acceptance.

Walker echoed these sentiments, describing her journey through kapa haka as profoundly healing. “It’s brought past and present trauma to the surface but also gorgeous happiness. It’s helped process stuff without holding on to hurt and negativity,” she said.

Te Waitini will commence at 4:30 PM, and entry is via koha. All proceeds from the event will go to the charity chosen by the winning team. As Walker prepares for this landmark event, she remains hopeful that it will inspire both participants and attendees to embrace their own journeys of growth and connection.