Skip Content
Katie Brayne at TWoA tent at  WOMAD

A Virtual Reality pōwhiri developed by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is turning heads at WOMAD 2018.

More than 500 people have donned Oculus Rift virtual reality headsets and watched the fully immersive and realistic pōwhiri experience over the three-day festival.

Katie Brayne, a movement coach from Taranaki, thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“I’ve been in a live powhiri before, but I really enjoyed that because it gave me time to look at it from a different perspective, to be there and enjoy the process.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa lead developer for the virtual pōwhiri project Joshua Brown says the experience is great for people unfamiliar with the traditional Māori custom.

It will also provide a unique view of a pōwhiri, so people familiar with the pōwhiri process will also enjoy and learn from the experience.

The virtual pōwhiri uses stereoscopic video and spatial audio techniques to ensure the immersive experience is as realistic as possible. Users will wear an Oculus Rift virtual reality headset, with three headsets running for the duration of the festival.

Vivienne Merito, national lead for brand and recruitment at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, says the pōwhiri - which was filmed on Ōtāwhao Marae in Te Awamutu - is an authentic experience befitting the values of WOMAD.

“One of the things I love about WOMAD is the authenticity of the cultural experience, so it is important this is done well.”

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is a programme partner of WOMAD 2018.

 Back to news & events

Published On:

Article By:



Other Articles

  • 24 July 2025

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa chief executive Evie O’Brien announced as Te Kura Toroa

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa celebrates its 40th anniversary by bestowing chief executive Evie O’Brien with the enduring title of Te Kura Toroa. Discover the cultural significance of this new role and its reflection of leadership, kaitiakitanga, and Māori values.

  • 23 July 2025

    Māori musician's reo Māori journey leads to wānanga kaiako role

    Jordyn Rapana, known as Jordyn With A Why, shares her inspiring journey of learning te reo Māori to raise her tamariki in a reo-speaking home. From immersion study to becoming a kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, discover how music, whānau, and culture shaped her path.

  • 16 July 2025

    Keeping clean and kicking off a business through wānanga programme

    Kristin Adams turned her recovery journey into a business success through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Smart Steps to Business programme. Discover how education, support, and determination helped her launch Pinky and Co and rebuild her life with purpose.

  • 9 July 2025

    Victoria's Journey: Embracing te reo Māori in healthcare

    Nurse Victoria Richmond shares how learning te reo Māori through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Papa Reo programme has deepened her cultural competency and patient care. Discover how flexible online learning is helping bridge cultural gaps in Aotearoa’s healthcare system.