1864 Rangiaowhia
Originally a highly prosperous community, known as a peaceful sanctuary of refuge until “a day of terrorism" or “Paahuatanga”, which saw the end of Rangiaowhia in 1864. Recorded as one of the most horrific, but also unacknowledged massacres in New Zealand’s history, an invasion of colonial troops on the 21st of February 1864, resulted in over half of the 200 locals present being left wounded, captured, raped, incinerated and murdered.
A tribute to the survivors of Rangiaowhia and their descendants, the album ‘Songs of Rangiaowhia’ released on the 21st day of February 2024, on the 160th year acknowledges the resilience of Ngaati Apakura and Ngaati Hinetuu and seeks to celebrate their continued existence today.
An Introduction to 'Songs of Rangiaowhia'
A powerful and emotionally charged 10-track album dedicated to honouring the survivors and the memory of the 1864 massacre at Rangiaowhia is set to be released on the 21st of February 2024, the 160th commemoration. Entitled “Songs of Rangiaowhia”, the album brings together a talented group of artists with genealogical ties to the area, including Mara TK, Rākai Whauwhau, Hawkins and Ria Hall.
Serving as a voice for the voiceless, "Songs of Rangiaowhia" sheds light on one of the hidden histories of our nation through the elevation of a story that belongs to the Ngaati Apakura tribe and their survival after the attempted massacre.
“This is an opportunity for us as an iwi to collectivise and put our stamp in the ground,” says Hall of the project, which hosts collaborations with Te Wharekura o Ngaa Purapura o Te Aroha, Te Haona Kaha Kapahaka, with notable features by Troy Kingi, Poihakena Reid and our maatanga reo experts Maria Te Aukaha Huata and Waikato respected elder and author Dr. Tom Roa.
Elaborating on the 1864 massacre, Roa explains, “Our people were in church, holding morning service on Sunday 21st February. The (British) soldiers called out to people to come out, but they didn’t dare come out because they heard of other people coming out and being shot dead. So the soldiers set fire to the church.”
Roa continues, “Our tuupuna never surrendered their identity; they were landless. These landless people refuse not to be recognised, Ngaati Apakura”.
Creatively, the album’s diverse musical styles, heartfelt lyrics and enchanting melodies inspire listeners to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of this history. While predominantly in Te Reo Maaori, the collection of songs aims to connect with non-Maaori audiences to foster allyship while acting as a catalyst for meaningful conversations.
It features a melting pot of genres: R&B/Soul, Reggae/Dub, Funk/Gospel, and Ballad. The album showcases the diverse musical influences and talents of the artists involved, each contributing their unique style and vibe to create a captivating listening experience.
Additionally, the album boasts an impressive lineup of musicians who contributed their skills and creativity, such as Julien Dyne, Leonardo Coghini, Ben Turua, JY Lee, Dallas Reti Taukiri, Sale Leilua, Kaea Ruawai, Dan Waterson, Stallone D'Souza, Richard Pickard, Adrian Brown, Gin Papāli'i, Debbie Papāli'i, Ruby Papāli'i, Crystal Lin, LaCoco Sasa-Tepania, Molee Lauititi and Hannah Rees.
Ngā Pūkenga o te ao pūoro
Ninakaye Taane-Tinorau
Kaiarahi/Kaitautoko
A Trustee of the Maori Music Industry Coalition, Ninakaye is also a founding member of the Māori Music Managers Development Initiative (3MDI) and has sat on the Board of Independent Music NZ.
Older sister to popular NZ artist Tiki Taane, she has managed her brother, his companies and record label since 2007, and also acts as a mentor for other Music Managers via the Aotearoa Music Manager’s Forum. A proud graduate of a Maori Performing Arts degree, a Small Business Management Certificate and various other qualifications, Ninakaye completed one year immersion in Te Reo Māori at Hoani Waititi Marae.
With an extensive background across the Public Health, Event Management, Film / TV and Fitness industries, Ninakaye likes to draw upon all her life experiences for her mahi. 23 years alcohol and drug free, her life since recovery spans an extensive wealth of experience across the Māori Public Health, Event Management, Film & TV and Fitness industry’s.
Known for her stand for indigenous rights not just locally, but globally, Ninakaye is an Ambassador for the global “My Sisters Are Warriors' movement.
Mara TK
Kaiwhakaputa/Music Producer
Multidisciplinary Artists, Producer and the son of Māori psychedelic rock legend Billy TK – Mara TK, a golden voiced, Māori-Scottish world-wandering citizen of Aotearoa (New Zealand). A child of the early Kura Kaupapa movement, Te Reo Māori is the grounding source, the foundation for Mara. He has worked alongside acclaimed Kiwi future soul trio Electric Wire Hustle (winner of the best electronic act at the 2015 New Zealand Music Awards), and a bevy of globally towering musical talents, in the last few years proven himself to be a singular force for modern music.
Fluent in voice, guitar, bass and beat machines, outside of his aforementioned band, Mara TK has been blessed to both work in the studio with and perform next to Eru Dangerpsiel, Wild Bill Ricketts, Ommas Keith, Muhsinah, Jake One, Julien Dyne and others, in the process forging an artistically idiosyncratic (and highly in-demand) reputation within the worlds of future soul and modern beats.
Mara uses his compelling voice, programmed beats, video media and choreography to express a deeply felt and unique
vision and sonics. He has held solo performances at major national institutions such as the Museum of New Zealand and City Gallery Wellington; and at events in Europe and America such as Glastonbury Festival and SXSW in Austin, Texas.
Mara TK has recorded and performed with Kimbra, Mos Def, Just Blaze, Fly My Pretties and Tim Finn among others, and in the process forged an idiosyncratic style within the worlds of soul music, modern beats and interdisciplinary art.