Work
Puaka (Rūaumoko)
for voices, taonga pūoro and jazz quintet
About
Puaka (Rūaumoko) is a journey far below the earth to learn of the birthplace of Puaka, a star that marks the year for us as Kāi Tahu and gifts us with her children inaka (whitebait) and puawhanaka (clematis) to show us hope as winter comes to an end. Along the way we hear the tale of Niwareka and Mataora, a cautionary story of the mana of women, and the art of moko.
Commissioned note
Commissioned by the 2021 Wellington Jazz Festival