One of the icons of the kapa haka world, Pounamu Performing Arts, has won an accolade for turning Maori culture into an international business.
Auckland University business school's Maori business awards this week honoured the company, which offers training in kapa haka at Manukau Institute of Technology.
Pounamu Performing Arts also provides performers for corporate functions, international trade shows and cultural exchanges.
It is an offshoot of Te Waka Huia, the competition-winning kapa haka roopu started by Ngapo and Pimia Wehi in Auckland in 1981.
Mr Wehi told Waatea News the award is an endorsement of the high standards he has set for the firm, and says kapa haka gives young Maori a sense of self esteem and identity.
