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Kūtere is a poi spinning performance and personal story about the intersection of Māori Poi and International Poi, told through an expressive poi dance.

Concept/Performance/Production by Kate Riegle van West | Music “Kepler’s Breakfast” by Perhaps Contraption | Videography/Photography by Jesse James

Kūtere was filmed in Auckland, New Zealand, on an iPhone 7.

Behind the Scenes

“Rhythm represents the life of poi” – Ngāmoni Huata  

Kūtere begins with a heartbeat. A single poi calling out in the space between ground and sky. Between forest and city. Between where we’ve come from and where we’re going. It is here that Māori Poi and International Poi meet.

But what might they say to one another? A Pākehā searches for the answer.

Her poi cry out kūtere! Leaping, twirling, dream chasing, the answers swirl around her.

Swing out rhythmically, my feelings. Zoom down, wriggle, climb up above, swarm around me, my whirling emotions, my poi, yeah!
– Poi E by Ngoi Pewhairangi and Maui Dalvanius Prime

Māori Poi and International Poi meet