Nikau Grace

Encouraged by her guitar teacher, 12-year-old Kawerau singer Nikau Grace made her debut at the Bay of Plenty Blues Club. She ditched the blues for more traditional lessons and started writing songs; Grace has been a finalist in the Play it Strange songwriting competition four times. At 15, she wrote 'Tōku Tuakiri', which asserts her Māori identity. Supported by mentor Hollie Smith, Grace won a Waiata Takitahi grant and recorded 'Tōku Tuakiri' with translator Leeda Webster, producer Nic Manders and backing vocals by the Rotorua Accelerando Programme. Grace's story features in the 2023 season of series Waiata Anthems.