Top Māori musicians perform to raise funds for music therapy

Top Māori musicians perform to raise funds for music therapy centre

Smashproof, Seth Haapu, Maisey Rika and Moana & The Tribe join more than 25 of New Zealand’s favourite Māori musicians to perform a series of shows raising money for Auckland’s Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre (RMTC).

Four shows titled ‘WAIATA’, meaning ‘song’, will take place in Auckland and each will showcase a collection of Māori artists.

The WAIATA shows have been organised by Hinewehi Mohi, a prominent figure in the performing arts scene and co-founder and trustee of RMTC.

“All of the artists are passionate about giving back to the community - and to this charity in particular - which they are all great supporters of,” Mohi says.

“The pool of talent we have in New Zealand is inspiring and these shows will be testament to that. It’s particularly fitting to feature these events in May, NZ Music Month.”

The first of the four shows starts at 7pm, May 16 at Galatos. Artists performing include Troy Kingi, Emma Paki, Arihia Cassidy, Mereana Teka, Seth Haapu, Toni Huata and Ria Hall.

The second show will see Majic Paora, Brannigan Kaa, Tipene Harmer, TK, Lioness Aotearora, Kristen Te Rito and Anahera Higgins take to the Galatos stage at 6pm, May 17.

The third show provides a unique opportunity to see six of New Zealand’s top kapa haka: Ngā Puna Ō Waiōrea, Ngā Tapuwae, Ngā Tūmanako, Te Waka Huia, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui will all perform at the Genesis Energy Theatre at the Vodafone Events Centre at 6.30pm, May 29.

The final show, again held at the Genesis Energy Theatre in the Vodafone Events Centre, will see stars Ardijah, Rob Ruha, Tina Cross, Maisey Rika, WAI, Tama Waipara, Anna Coddington, Moana & The Tribe and Smashproof take to the stage. The show will kick off at 6.30pm, May 30.

RMTC executive director Carol White is humbled by the support and enthusiasm of all the artists who have volunteered to be part of WAIATA.

“Funding a centre like ours is a challenge but it’s made easier by the fantastic support we receive from the community and individuals such as these talented musicians,” White says.

“The WAIATA shows are an excellent opportunity to see an esteemed line up of artists, while helping change lives through music.”

All proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated to RMTC, which provides music therapy for people with special needs.

Music therapy provides a vehicle for children and adolescents to help with their growth and development and can improve motor skills, communication and speech, gain confidence and self esteem, strengthen social skills and improve memory, behaviour and concentration. Many of the children and young adults that RMTC work with are isolated and are limited in the activities they can take part in. Music therapy can help reduce this sense of isolation and help them to engage, participate and interact with the world around them.

The lives shows will be recorded for a series to screen on Māori Television later in the year.

Tickets to the two Galatos events can be purchased through the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre online at www.rmtc.org.nz or calling 09 360 0889. Tickets to the two events at the Vodafone Events Centre can be purchased through TicketDirect.

Full line up of artists:

• Troy Kingi
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• Emma Paki
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• Arihia Cassidy
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• Mereana Teka
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• Seth Hapu
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• Toni Huata
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• Ria Hall
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• Majic Paora
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• Brannigan Kaa
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• Tipene Harmer
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• TK.
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• Lioness Aotearora
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• Kristen Te Rito
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• Anahera Higgins
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• Nga Puna O Waiorea
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• Nga Tapuwae
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• Nga Tumanako
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• Te Waka Huia
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• Ardijah
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• Rob Ruha
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• Tina Cross
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• Maisey Rika
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• WAI
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• Tama Waipara
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• Smashproof
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• Anna Coddington
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• Moana & The Tribe

Ends

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