Unsung iwi of Te Tauihu releases new waiata

One of the least known of the eight iwi of Te Tauihu - the Top of the South Island - is planning to formalise its role as kaitiaki of the Nelson Lakes region with its own marae concept there. Ngati Apa ki te Ra To connects to the Omaka Marae in Marlborough, and has another papakainga on the West Coast but is strongly linked to Rotoiti - the apex of the triangle that connects Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough. In recognition of its rebirth, and the success of its cultural revitalisation programme for youth, the iwi has also just released a new waiata. He Pito Mata was composed by Maori musician Tawaroa Kawana to celebrate the fifth anniversary Mana Rangatahi. The iwi's cultural advisor Kiley Nepia told our Te Tauihu reporter Tracy Neal it's the dawn of a new era for the largely unsung iwi.