Te Puia celebrates war centennial with return of opera

Opera in the Pa is returning to Te Puia's Rotowhio Marae for a special World War I centenary show.

The iconic opera, being held on March 21, will pay tribute to the Maori Pioneer Battalion of World War I and Rotorua's 28th Maori Battalion of World War II.

Well-known broadcaster and entertainer Max Cryer will host the show, which features several up-and-coming singers, including Rotorua's Elisha Hulton.

Opera in the Pa committee chairman Trevor Maxwell said it would be "a unique and captivating way to be part of the First World War centenary".

"Opera in the Pa is an inspirational and spine-tingling event," he said.

"This year it offers a chance to consider the First World War's impact - whether reflecting on the nature of war, remembering family members who served, or thinking about how communities were affected by events long ago."

The opera has been organised by a charitable trust in conjunction with Te Puia. It will showcase songs from the war period and screen historical photos during the intermission.

Concert-goers will also be given a remembrance poppy on arrival to place at the base of a unique memorial pou at the end of the event.

"Bringing Opera in the Pa back to where it all began, to such a special and beautiful setting, is wonderful," Mr Maxwell said.

"It's an experience like nothing else."

The pou was being carved by the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and would eventually be installed at a significant historic location.

Te Puia general manager of sales and marketing Kiri Atkinson-Crean said they were excited to host the event.

"Our marae setting and backdrop of bush and hills, steam from the geysers, bubbling mud pools and hot springs creates a magical atmosphere that takes the music to a whole new level," she said.

The first Opera in the Pa was held at Te Puia 18 years ago. The last show was held in 2011 and was attended by around 1000 people from New Zealand and as far away as England and the United States.

Tickets cost $25 and are available from Te Puia. Children under 15 years are free.