In the light of the 1994 Aotearoa Festival of Arts held in Hawera last weekend, tribute is paid to all the composers of modern Māori music, and especially to one woman, Tuini Ngawai.
The late Tuini Ngāwai was a genius in her time, known wide and far for her passionate devotion to her people. Tuini played a vital part in contemporary Māori society, a renaissance which is now taking place in our country, in language, social and cultural history.
Tuini Ngāwai of Ngāti Porou reached the apex of her compositions during the World War II. It can be argued that the modern action song has contributed to the modernisation of Māoridom. Her compositions notably "Arohaina Mai" and "Te Hoko Whitu a Tu"epitomises the success of Tuini Ngawai. The action songs have become a vital part of the heritage of our nation.
Tuteira Pohatu had the rare distiction and privilege to walk in the shadow of one of New Zealand's giants of modern Māori music.
Featured in this programme with Tuteira Pohatu are Ngoingoi Pewhairangi, Leo Fowler and of course the late Tuini Ngāwai herself.