Rhythm unites communities at World of Cultures event in Onehunga

A community drumming workshop at Onehunga Library united people through rhythm as part of Auckland’s World of Cultures celebrations.

The event introduced participants to a blend of African and Tahitian drumming styles, alongside with vocal exercises and group singing.

Ahuuranui Tarati, director of Ahuuranui Tahiti, a Tahitian arts school, said: “Since we are Tahitians, we have promoted our Tahitian culture through drumming.

“We just wanted to share some basic drumming and a little bit about our Tahitian style of drumming.”

The session alternated between demonstrations and group participation.

Participants of all ages took part in a session designed to be both inclusive and accessible to beginners.

“It was actually really amazing, the good thing about this event is that it was not only promoting our culture, but we were also able to share it with different ethnicities," said Tarati.

“It was really good to share that because we were able to see the similarities, but also the differences in our drumming and how they do it their culture.”

Jimi Dale, an African drum and dance teacher, said initially the two drumming groups were to take part separately.

“I found that when we were a bigger group working with each other, the energy was better. Everyone lifts the energy and helps each other with the rhythm as well.”

Participants were introduced to a range of traditional instruments central to Polynesian performance, including the Tari Parau (Pahu), Fa’atete (Fa’kete), Tō’ere, Tō’ere pa’epa’e, Tō’ere rima, Vivo (flute), and Pū (conch shell).

“One of our many differences is that we use sticks to hit our drums in comparison to the Africans [who do not],” said Tarati.

Cindy Guo, programme specialist for the Onehunga Library, said: “It’s important to celebrate World of Cultures because Auckland is a diverse city and we have so many cultures, and people from different culturalbackgrounds.

“It is important to promote some smaller cultures that don’t really get celebrated.” she said.

“A lot of people know about other Pacifics, such as Samoa, Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji and Niue – but not everybody knows about the other islands within French Polynesia,"  Tarati said.

She highlighted that each of these island groups had its own languages or dialects, as well as distinct cultural traditions and styles of dance, showing the depth of diversity that existed within French Polynesia.

“We have five other archipelagos that have their own languages, their own dialects, and their own dances.”

Tarati said the Onehunga Library has always been skilled in hosting events for communities that do not feel seen.

“I love Onehunga, I love our community centre because they do a lot of events throughout the year.”

Tarati highlighted the cultural diversity within French Polynesia, while underscoring the importance of community spaces like Onehunga Library in providing a platform for underrepresented cultures to be recognised and celebrated.

“We felt incredibly seen and had a beautiful time merging our two cultures to create new rhythms.”

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