Season 4, Episode 1
Please note: This episode is spoken entirely in te reo Māori.
Turuhira Hare (Ngāi Tūhoe, Te Arawa) is a highly respected leader in her community, renowned for her contributions to Māori performing arts and education. She has held numerous prominent roles in kapa haka, including at Te Matatini, where she has served as a judge for over a decade. Turuhira teaches at Te Wharekura o Ruātoki, which notably became New Zealand's first official bilingual institution in 1978.
In this episode of He Reo Tawhito: Conversations about Mōteatea, Turuhira reflects on her unique upbringing within the Ringatū Church, where sacred rituals and chants deeply influenced her appreciation for mōteatea. She shares how these experiences shaped her understanding of mōteatea and its vital role in preserving cultural heritage.
“He tere ake te mau o te mātauranga i te tamariki mā roto mai o te waiata o te mōteatea rānei tēnā ki te kōrero ki a rātou nā te mea ka mau motuhake ki te hinengaro tamariki.” (Children grasp knowledge quicker through song and chant than you speaking to them because it stays in their conscious and subconscious mind forever.)
Turuhira speaks about the evolution of mōteatea, emphasizing the need to compose new mōteatea that reflect contemporary issues. She provides insights into her role as a judge at Te Matatini and composer, discussing the importance of maintaining the sanctity and authenticity of mōteatea while adapting to the modern world.
“Waiho te tapu ki roto i te tapu, kaua te tapu e haria ki runga i te atamira kia whakataetaehia e te tangata.” (Leave sanctity in its natural environment, don’t take it on stage to be judged widely by man.)
Through her eloquent storytelling, Turuhira brings to life the beauty and depth of mōteatea. She recounts the poignant tale of Whakawairangi, a love song filled with rich genealogy, emotion, and significance. Turuhira highlights the power of mōteatea to express deep emotions and commemorate momentous events, inspiring future generations to continue this timeless art form. We invite you to join our host, Crystal Edwards, for this deeply insightful interview with Turuhira Hare.
E mihi kau ana ki te Tira tautoko ki He Reo Tawhito, wāhanga tuawhā
Kaiuiui | Interviewer: Crystal Edwards
Mātanga | Expert: Turuhira Hare
Tira Hanga Hōtaka Māori | Production team
Kaihautu Matua | Executive Producers: Diana Marsh, Claire Szabó
Kaihautu Puoro Māori, Kaiwhakahaere Hanga Hōtaka Māori | Director of Māori Māori Music and Programmes: Toni Huata
Kairuruku Hanga Hōtaka Māori | Coordinator of Māori Programmes: Kirsten Te Rito
Kaitohutohu Hanga Hōtaka Māori | Adviser of Māori Programmes: Roger Smith
Kaituitui Hanga Hōtaka Māori | Coordinator of He Reo Tawhito: Ngahuia Maniapoto
Kaiwhakahaere Whakatairanga | Marketing Manager: Leoné Venter
Kaitohu Puoro, Ratonga | Music, Services Adviser and Copy Writer: Jonathan Engle
Kaiwhiriwhiri Hanga Hōtaka Māori | Māori Programme Liaison, Media: Robyn Walker
Kaiāwhina Hanga Hōtaka | Production Assistance: Sarah Ballard, Isobelle Walker, Grace Walker, Yeonhee Lee, Aisyah Dzulkiflee.
He mihi nui ki te tira tautoko | Special thanks to:
Kaihanga Kiriata | Film Maker: Renegade Peach Project (Director, DOP, Editor) Mark Russell, (Camera Operator) Arlo Edwards, (Lighting) Josiah Nevell
Taupuni Hopuoro | Sound Studio: Matrix Digital, Phill Adams, Simon Blackwell (Sound Technicians)
Kaiwhakatauira Whakanikoniko | Graphic Design & Cover Art: IDIA, Johnson Witehira, Kimiora Whaanga
Kaiwhakamāori | Translation : E Tā, Stephanie Tibble
Kaikarakia, Kaitautoko: Adrian Tangaroa Wagner
Kaimanaaki, Kaitautoko: James Illingworth, Moana Leota
Ringa Whakapai Āhua | Makeup: Michelle Trigger
Book a Bach, Airbnb, CJ Hāngi’s.
Te Wāhi | Locations: Bach of the year ‘Harakeke’, Waikanae Beach
This podcast is supported by funding from Manatū Taonga | The Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
© Copyright Centre for New Zealand Music Trust
He Reo Tawhito Conversations about Mōteatea Awarded a Silver and two Bronze awards in the 2022 NZ Podcast Awards.
