The importance of Australia to Maori music can be seen from the line-up for next month's Waiata Maori music awards.
Australian resident Nuki Waaka, who formed the Maori Volcanics in Sydney in 1964, has been nominated for a lifetime achievement award.
Brisbane-based Phatboy Pouet is contesting the best Maori male solo artist category against Auckland's Pieter T, 2008 Waiata Maori awards winner Young Sid and Te Huaki Puanaki.
Among the wahine nominated are Maisey Rika, Toni Huata, Susan Rose and Kirsten Te Rito.
The awards will be presented at the Hawke's Bay Opera House in Hastings on 10 September.
