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‘Patua te taniwha o te whakama’

‘Do not let shyness overcome you’

Nga Reo o te Whenua – Voices of the Land is a documentary about Dr Richard Nunns who has dedicated the last thirty years of revitalising Tāonga Pūoro (traditional māori instruments).The multi-layered documentary has Dr Richard Nunns and Horomona Horo visit breath-taking locations across the South Island, including Ngarua Caves at Takaka Hill. Dr Nunns sheds light on the connection between the sounds of the instruments and that of the landscape. Director Dr Paul Wolframm shares the experience of filming the documentary with Justine Murray.

richard and horomona
Dr Richard Nunns and Horomono Horo (Photo courtesy of Dr Paul Wolframm).


Trailer Nga Reo o te Whenua - Voices of the Land.

He may be well retired now but composer Keith Southern is still arranging and publishing music, even getting the old royalty cheque now and then. KSP productions is Keith’s music publishing business that he decided to  set up one day after talking with his friend the late Whanganui composer Morvin Simon (1944-2014). At forty years old Keith left England and headed to Aotearoa. For the past four decades Keith has arranged and produced māori music, he talks about his colourful career.

Keith southern
Keith Southern at his home in Paraparaumu.

A few highlights of the Māori Language Week 2014 Launch held at Te Rauparaha, Porirua features.

Waiata featured:  Kōau’, ‘Tūmatakōkiri and ‘Hau’ performed by Hirini Melboure and Richard Nunns from the album Te Kū Te Whē (2010).’Ta, Ta’ performed by David Henry from the album The Viking Records Story, ‘Hine’ performed by Maisey Rika from the album 20 Maori songs, The Millennium Collection (1999), ‘Maranga Mai’ performed by Hato Pāora College from the album Rauatahi (1991), ‘Aotearoa’ performed by Stan Walker, Ria Hall, Maisey Rika and Troy Kingi (2014).