Māori concert, opening of 2YA transmitter. 1937-01-25

In this recording, a group of Whanganui Māori performers perform haka and waiata at the opening of the 2YA radio transmitter in Tītahi Bay, Wellington.

[This was the launch of 2YA as a 'national' station, with the new transmitter powerful enough to be heard around the country, as well as in Australia. See ID32997-9 for other recordings made at this event, including a speech by Prime Minister Michael Joseph Savage.

It is an 'off-air' recording of the broadcast as it was received by a radio receiver. There is some static and atmospheric disturbance.]

The group is identified as a Whanganui party directed by Mr Herewini Metekingi, who introduces each of the items:
Haka
E pari rā
Hoea rā te waka nei - female soloist Ruma Takarangi
Haka - Mangu taepo
Hoki, hoki tonu mai
Pōkarekare ana - male soloist Hunia Haimona
Hine e hine - female soloist Merenia Te Patu
Haka - Mangu taepo
Te ope tuatahi
Tītahi Bay, Pōneke - "a song written especially to celebrate the opening of the great national station" [The lyrics include greetings to Wellington and Tītahi Bay from the Whanganui iwi]
Tiki tiki - a novelty haka [featuring a child performer]
Home, Little Māori Home [Alfred Hill] - male soloist Hunia Haimona [recording ends abruptly]