Waiata Anthems steps up a gear

LESS than a month until Waiata Anthems Week from September 5-11 – which will be the week before Te Wiki o Te Reo

Ma¯ ori, and the 50th Anniversary of the Ma¯ ori Language Petition on September 14 – the lineup for the second edition of the documentary series has been released... and it’s seriously A-list.

New recordings from Lorde and Tim Finn, pictured, Kora, Barnaby Weir, Mikey Dam and Paige will be available to stream on all digital platforms from Friday September 2, while there are planned releases during the week from a huge range of artists including Rob Ruha, Coterie, Ladi6, Drax Project, Jackson Owens, Sol3 Mio, Valkyrie, Rory Noble, Aotearoa Allstars, Pacific Heights Ft. Stan Walker & Crete, Ria Hall, Mazbou Q and

Georgia Lines.

There’s even a chance for you to get involved.

For all of Mahuru Ma¯ ori / September, using the hashtag #WaiataAnthems, people of Aotearoa are invited to share on social media how they incorporate waiata in their everyday life – whether it’s belting out a ballad in the car or serenading their pe¯ pi with a gentle waiata passed down to them.

Waiata Anthems co-founder, Dame Hinewehi Mohi, pictured, says the kaupapa continues to be inspired by 2022’s milestones: 50 years since the Ma¯ ori Language Petition was presented to Parliament, 40 years of Kohanga Reo, 40 years of Te Karere, and 50 years of Te Matatini.

‘‘The Waiata Anthems movement salutes these legends of te reo Ma¯ ori, and the legacy of waiata, to inspire and excite the nation, providing greater access to the language and culture – for all New Zealanders. Our hope is that, no matter where you are on your reo journey, you’ll feel empowered to become a champion of te reo Ma¯ ori through waiata.’’