The man called to karanga

Pita Tamiana’s desire to karanga began as a young boy calling in the pigs for a feed. His efforts weren’t appreciated by his mother who explained that men do not karanga because it attracts death.
Pita didn’t believe it.
Now a geneaologist and PHD candidate living in Wellington, Pita is still challenging perceptions of customary gender roles, and says Māoridom has matured enough to have a conversation about men and karanga.
He has coined the non-binary term ‘kohinerākau’, a reference to a female with male genitalia. It’s a term Pita proudly wears as he assumes the appearance of a female to perform the ceremonial role of karanga.
“There are many kohinerākau in our kapa haka, amongst our hapū and iwi. This isn’t new to Māori”.
A native speaker of te reo, Pita says there are also cultural pragmatics to be considered as the numbers of willing kaikaranga dwindle on marae around the country.
“If there are no women who want to call, could that role be filled by kohinerākau? What is wrong with that?”
It’s a question Pita has yet to formally present to his hapū Ngāi Te Riu in the heart of the Urewera forest.
Former broadcaster and Ruatahuna repatriate Hinerangi Goodman confirms that the notion of men doing the karanga is unthinkable to local elders, but she agrees no harm can come from discussion.
It's a discussion, she says, that should in the first instance be had by women.
As Pita nears 60, he doubts he will get the opportunity to karanga for his marae or hapū, but he’s hopeful for the next generation of kohinerākau.
“My message for kohinerākau that wish to take up karanga - do so with humility, a pure heart and spirit,” he says.

[@EPHX-HP]

I would appreciate to see more of the reasons for why not. Men doing karanga brings death? Please explain this more. Our relationships with ngā atua are no longer the same as they once were. Our worldview is not the same as it used to be. We didn't live in isolation like they once did where everything made sense and could allow kawa and tikanga to flow. I think people are too hung up on what was instead of looking at what is to be. I understand our past and our whakapapa is so important. But even these things do not prepare us for our future in a world where we have no control of our rangatiratanga anymore. We are insignificant to the rest of the world. Look at our native american cousins. Or over the ditch in Australia. We are lucky to have what we have. But it is up to us how we use it and preserve it for the future. No tīpuna living or dead can prepare us for what is to come. The world has changed. And so must we.

[@helenjohnson474]

Kia Koutou Amohio, I have grown up always knowing of my Koro's being able to karanga and having done so. I taitoko your need and just wish to convey that, it is not as if it has never happened before.

[@manawahinekorero9534]

Karanga is for wāhine only. ONLY wāhine can bring forth life!