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Chop gets to know a bit more about Rawiri who commonly refers to him as ‘uncs’. A laid back kind of guy, Rawiri has come in for a trim and a shave. He talks about doing a building apprenticeship, and his relationship with his boss. Rawiri is an ocean guy, and he recalls surfing at Shippies on the Ahipara coastline in the Far North.
Music is a big part of Rawiri’s life, and he recalls learning everything he knows about music from his uncle Troy Kingi. He discusses touring with the band and an encounter with the Commodores former bass player. Rawiri opens up about a swimming pool accident when he was 12 years old that caused a stroke and left him paralysed for a brief period.
He remembers the consequences that his accident had on his teenage years and the end to his rugby career. Now Rawiri is ready to finish his apprenticeship and get out of Kerikeri to explore the world.
Rawiri waits on the barbershop bench for his turn with Chop. Photo: Tai Huri Films / Adam Jones
The Late Afternoon Glass Off
Chop finds out that this long haired local lad, Rawiri, is living every day as if it's his last after a pool accident left him paralysed with a blood clot to his brain and a stroke at the age of 12.
I had to get the nurses to wash me. I couldn't even wash myself. I was fed on a drip. I could barely talk.
To the surprise of his nurses, doctors and whanau, Rawiri recovered fully. Now a carefree 23 year old, Rawiri Webb (Ngāti Rēhia) is about to complete his building apprenticeship but that accident left an indelible impression on him. He missed out on a lot as a result and was gutted not to be able to play rugby with his mates but he eventually found other pursuits and outlets that he loved.
A surfer and musician, his goal is to settle in Hawaii, build his own whare & play music…. And he knows a bit about music.
Rawiri sings a waiata, in the Chop Shop, Kerikeri. Photo: Tai Huri Films / Wiremu Pavic-Hohaia
His uncle is Kerikeri musician and Aotearoa music legend Troy Kingi.
He pretty much taught me everything I know about music and then for a few years he asked me to gig with him.
Rawiri travelled across Aotearoa promoting Troy’s album Holy Colony Burning Acres with the band. Dressed in a fedora hat and wearing a loud coloured African vibes t-shirts was a real eye opener for Rawiri. But being on tour every weekend, it all got a bit too much and he had to make the tough decision between gigging and starting his building apprenticeship.
Rawiri gets a razor shave by Chop. Photo: Tai Huri Films / Adam Jones
He reckons a trade is what’s going to get him out there and will open up opportunities to explore the world. He’s searching for that late afternoon glass off (L.A.G.O), a term he and his mates have coined when they find that perfect combination of sun, swell and the classic west coast surf conditions.
Everything just slows down aye. You’ll feel like you're in slow motion. It's like you become part of the wave almost. That's the best feeling. It's hard to describe aye, but... it's one of the best feelings ever I reckon.
Chop focused on Rawiri's shave. Photo: Tai Huri Films / Adam Jones
For now the music career will have to take a back seat, and with the pandemic restrictions around the world his plans to travel have gone array. Rawiri is looking forward to completing his apprenticeship and hopefully getting out of Kerikeri to experience the big wide world.
Photo: supplied
