Rob Ruha

Songwriter Rob Ruha hails from Wharekahika (Hicks Bay) on the East Coast, a place "immersed in rhythmic dance and pulsing haka". Ruha launched his solo music career in 2013; since then he has won Best Māori Album twice at the New Zealand Music Awards (for Tiki Tapu and Pūmau). Other accolades include the prestigious APRA Maioha Award for songs 'Tiki Tapu' and 'Kariri', and taking out Best Male Solo Artist, Best Songwriter and Best Māori Song at the Waiata Māori Music Awards. Ruha was musical director and translator for the te reo Māori re-versioning of smash-hit Disney movie Moana.