Tū Mai Rā

Waiata 'Tū Mai Rā' has a serious purpose. In 2021 Palmerston North-born muscian and te reo Māori consultant Tawaroa Kawana met with rangatahi (young people) from iwi Rangitāne o Wairarapa and Rangitāne o Tamaki nui-ā-Rua, to find a way to combat high rates of Māori youth suicide in the Wairarapa. Kawana reworked a song originally written by his uncle Mike Kawana, recording a new version with local talent. In this video for 'Tū Mai Rā' ( translating to "stand before the sun"), members of Tini Whetū share the mic and spread the aroha, communicating a message of positivity and strength in stressful times. 

I've travelled the world thanks to music and my reo. Waiata's just part of me, it's like innate.

– Performer and te reo consultant Tawaroa Kawana, in episode 18 of Waiata Anthems (2023)

Key Cast & Crew

Corinna Hunziker

Director

Parehuia Mackay

Producer

Julia Parnell

Producer

Sophie Coombs

Editor