Pere Wihongi

Te Rarawa, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Kuri, Ngāti Wai

Pere Te Ruru o Te Ramana Wihongi, commonly known as Pere Wihongi, is an award-winning composer who originally comes from Herekino, New Zealand. A self-taught guitarist, singer and composer of kapa haka and contemporary Māori music, Pere also has a background in directing and producing as well as experience working in the television sector for both Marae and Te Karere News as a reporter. Pere is mainly known for co-managing and performing for the Māori pop group Maimoatia.

Pere Wihongi was the winner of the 2019 Waiata Māori Music Awards' “Best Māori Male Solo Artist” award. His musical group Te Kākano also won “Best Traditional Album in Te Reo Māori”, “Best Māori Pop Album” and “Best Song by a Māori Artist” for their hit song Tōrea.