Piri Sciascia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Piri Sciascia
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Sciascia in 2017
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Piri John Ngarangikaunuhia Sciascia
6 November 1946 Porangahau, New Zealand
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| Died | 18 January 2020 (aged 73) |
| Spouse(s) | Gaylene Ann Sciascia |
Piri John Ngarangikaunuhia Sciascia (6 November 1946 – 18 January 2020) was an important Māori leader from New Zealand. He was also a talented performer of kapa haka, which is a traditional Māori performing art. Piri Sciascia worked as a university administrator and gave advice to the Governor-General and the New Zealand government.
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Early Life and Education
Piri Sciascia was born in Porangahau, New Zealand, on 6 November 1946. His parents were Frank la Basse and Maymorn Sciascia. Piri had both Māori and Italian family roots. He was connected to several Māori tribes, known as iwi, including Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Ngati maniapoto, Ngāti Raukawa, and Rangitāne.
He went to Te Aute College for his schooling. After that, he studied at the University of Otago and later at Victoria University of Wellington. He also trained to be a teacher at Palmerston North Teachers' College.
In 1973, Piri Sciascia married Gaylene Ann Wilson. They had five children together.
Career in Education and Public Service
Piri Sciascia started his career teaching at Palmerston North Teachers' College from 1975 to 1981. After that, he became a director for the Council for Māori and South Pacific Arts. This council helped support and promote Māori and Pacific Island art forms.
In 1989, he joined the Department of Conservation (DOC). He worked there as an assistant director, focusing on Māori matters.
Later, in 2000, Piri Sciascia began working at Victoria University of Wellington. He held important roles there, including assistant vice-chancellor and then deputy vice-chancellor for Māori affairs. This meant he helped make sure the university supported Māori students and culture. He worked at the university until 2016.
Contributions to Māori Arts
Piri Sciascia was very involved in Māori arts. In the 1970s, he toured with the Māori Theatre Trust, sharing Māori culture through performances.
In 1977, he started his own kapa haka group called Tamatea Ariki Nui. This group belonged to the Ngāti Kahungunu tribe. Piri was the leader, teacher, and even composed music for the group until 1991.
He also helped organize a big international art exhibition called Te Maori. This exhibition showed amazing Māori artworks in the United States and New Zealand from 1984 to 1987. Piri also contributed to the exhibition's book. He served on other important committees that supported Māori arts and broadcasting, like Te Māngai Pāho.
Later Life and Legacy
After leaving Victoria University in 2016, Piri Sciascia took on a special role as kaumātua. A kaumātua is a respected elder who gives advice. In this role, he advised the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet on Māori customs and language. He also helped welcome important visitors to New Zealand.
Piri Sciascia passed away on 18 January 2020.
Awards and Recognition
Piri Sciascia received several awards for his dedication and service.
- In 1990, he was given the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal.
- In 2013, he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This honor was given to him for his great work in Māori arts.
- He received the Keeper of Traditions award at the Waiata Māori Music Awards in 2008.
- In 2016, he was given a Ngā Tohu ā Tā Kingi Ihaka (Sir Kingi Ihaka Award). This award recognized his lifelong commitment to Māori arts and culture.
