Musical Matariki stars set to light up Te Papa
A group of sensational Kiwi musicians will be in the spotlight tomorrow night at Te Papa’s Ngā Whetū o Matariki Concert.
The singers were found in a nationwide search which called for people from around the country to compose and perform an
original waiata themed around Gallipoli.
The singers from the four winning entries are being brought to Wellington to perform alongside some of Aotearoa’s
hottest musical talent including Ria Hall and Robert Ruha at Te Papa’s Te Marae.
Te Papa’s Senior Audience Engagement facilitator Mere Boynton says she was blown away with the calibre of the entries.
“The winners have brought to life this year’s Matariki theme He rau tangata, he koingo aroha (the people gather and affirm love in a myriad of ways) in incredibly moving and creative ways.”
32 year old Wiremu Hohaia composed his entry with his sister and her partner, “This was a good way to express who we are
in terms of performers and musicians.”
“Our song is about our connection to the land, our whakapapa and our identity, so we think it fitted well with the theme
of love and the sacrifice of those who fought at Gallipoli.”
Dannevirke school teacher Kiwa Goddard says he’s buzzing about the opportunity to perform with two of his biggest idols.
“Performing alongside Ria and Rob is going to be so surreal. I’ve never won anything before, so to be picked for this is
huge,” says the 28 year old.
The concert takes place at Te Papa’s Te Marae at 7pm tomorrow night, it’s open to the public and free of charge.
We gratefully acknowledge support from the Wellington Regional Amenities Fund:
Hutt City Council, Kāpiti Coast District Council, Masterton District Council, Porirua City Council, Upper Hutt City
Council, Wellington City Council
ENDS