I was sent an APRA industry update the other day and it included an amazing link to a waiata gifted to us from a collective called Manu Taupunga ki Ruātoki. Now this is a veritable A list of current Māori artists, who in May took themselves out of the city and went bush with legendary Tūhoe personality Tame Iti and equally legendary musician Whirimako Black.

Hine Mokemoke is the new waiata that resulted. Our A lister collaborators on the project are TAWAZ, Jordyn With A Why, Mārei, MĀ, Chase Woods, Henare Kaa of Dillastrate, and Kings. They took themselves into Te Urewera, and, guided by Tūhoe son Kings, the waiata came forth.

We have all the best that the elder culture of these islands can provide. A beautiful melody, 2024-standard production and composition. Excellent raps combining Te Reo with English, and some peerless harmonising vocal pieces. You really have to hear this!

Nobody has compelled me to drop a review of this waiata. I’ve made it known previously of my support and aroha for music performed in, by and for the indigenous peoples of the world, and especially this South Pacific that I have made my home. In times like the present, when the elder culture is challenged so disingenuously by people who are supposed to nurture and help the collective Peoples of this land, when a waiata of this power and quality comes into my crosshairs you can bet your sweet tailpipe I’m posting some comments.

This is on all major streaming platforms. Please give it a listen. With the names I have listed here I have no doubt you’ll appreciate the quality of this waiata.

Haere Mai, aroha nui.