Jason Gunn, star of the recent television hit show ‘Dancing with the Stars’ has gone from the ballroom to the Kapa Haka stage in a groundbreaking training program for Maori youth. Employed to enhance the theatrical direction of Christchurch’s latest and most exciting tourist attraction – Ko Tane, Jason has helped to transform the product into a world class show.

 

‘I’ve traveled the world and seen many performing tourist shows’ said Jason, ‘and this is absolutely world class. The passion and intensity that these kids show is awesome and something that we all as New Zealanders can feel proud of. It certainly puts a shiver down my spine and makes me glad to be a kiwi every time I see it. I think everyone in Christchurch has to get right behind this product and come and experience it first hand. 

 

Te Roopu o Tane Mahuta Trust who has assisted over twenty four young Maori into employment with Ko Tane believe the recent support from Jason and his company ‘Whitebait’ has been extremely beneficial in their personal development and career pathway. He has also had a positive impact on morale, confidence and self esteem which has rubbed off on the work ethic and attitude. All of this is encouraging not only for Ko Tane but also for the community in that Jason’s charming professionalism has inspired and helped mould a future direction for some of these young people.

 

Ko Tane is going into the fourth year as the premium Cultural Performance in Christchurch. Every year has brought growth to the experience and with the help of ‘Whitebait’ can now boast as being not only one of the top cultural shows in New Zealand but also being totally unique within the bush environment at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. It shows the merging of Maori & Pakeha, of Culture and Conservation, of past and future.

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