Aroha Lifetime Achievement Award

The inaugural recipient of the Mika Haka Foundation’s Aroha Lifetime Achievement Award is Carmen Rupe.

Carmen is a real living legend. Born in Taumarunui, with Maniapoto and Ngāti Hauā heritage, her pioneering spirit took her from a back-blocks farm to the heights of Australasian public life.

Carmen’s International Coffee Lounge and Carmen’s Balcony were not only entertainment venues, but they were also at the forefront of a sexual and cultural revolution. Carmen campaigned for the Mayoralty of Wellington. She was summoned before Parliament to explain herself.

In a black and white age, Carmen was a true tranny blaze of colour. Without her well-lived life, we would not be ourselves.

On this special occasion, we honour Carmen for her humanitarian work, cultural significance, and revolutionary impact as a force for social and political change in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Come back to the days when John Rowles and the Yandall Sisters rubbed shoulders with Richard O’Brien and Kiri Te Kanawa at Carmen’s Balcony.

Enjoy a complimentary glass of Farmers Market wine on arrival, sit back, relax, and join Carmen and friends for an evening of legendary performers, star-studded tributes, guest speakers, and community aroha – accompanied by a traditional Hāngī feast!

Book now! This old-style dine and dance tribute event won’t happen again.
Dress: Black tie and jandals

Contact iTicket for bookings: Internet: www.iticket.co.nz; or phone: 09 361 1000.

100% of profits from this event will go towards the fund to buy Carmen a new mobility scooter.

Event listed by ArohaFestival

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