Rapua Te Mea Ngaro

Kawarau-born Nikau Grace (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Te Arawa, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui) has previously contributed to the Waiata Anthems series in 2023 with the track 'Tōku Tuakiri'. 2024's waiata 'Rapua Te Mea Ngaro' began life as a poem to inspire rangatahi to hold on to their dreams, and the video reflects this as Grace reads from her journal, parked-up in a peaceful bush setting, before driving off singing as the waiata's te reo Māori and English vocals kick in. The location shifts to the studio with Grace playing and recording with her band, then dancing in a theatre with a group of young people.

My waiata came about from slam poetry that I wrote, which just said how you have potential, and not to limit yourself or believe you can't do it. Talked about a flame, and how people try to blow it out or extinguish it, and it's your job to protect it and look after it and let it grow.

– Songwriter Nikau Grace on the inspiration for waiata 'Rapua Te Mea Ngaro', Waiata Anthems 2024

Key Cast & Crew

Hinewehi Mohi

Executive Producer

Parehuia Mackay

Producer

Julia Parnell

Producer

David Argue

Cinematographer

Luke Penney

Editor, Director