A researcher says the kapa haka nationals to be held in Christchurch next year will be a great opportunity for non-Maori to understand and interact with the culture.
Simon Lambert is carrying out research into the impact of the earthquakes on tangata whenua with mental illness.
During his research, he found pakeha felt more comfortable in a kaupapa Maori environment.
Mr Lambert said resourcing was an issue, as Pakeha in Te Wai Pounamu had little contact with Maoritanga and therefore it's harder to present that idea to tauiwi (non-Maori) and other mainstream services.
He said it was sometimes difficult for Maori to discuss and present kaupapa Maori approaches to pakeha in Christchurch.
But Mr Lambert said Te Matatini Kapa Haka competition would be an opportunity for Maori to network and share their mahi with the Otautahi community.
