Cyclone musical fundraiser about wha¯nau and sharing the story
Today’s Cyclone Gabrielle musical fundraiser in West Auckland will have a special meaning for Ma¯ori musician Rob Ruha.
The born and bred East Coaster’s wha¯nau — like thousands of others — were deeply affected by Gabrielle, which caused chaos across the Napier-Hastings-Gisborne-East Coast rohe.
That’s why #Maranga will be so special, Ruha said.
“When Cyclone Gabrielle hit, it hit my own wha¯nau. So being a part of #Maranga is my way of sharing the wha¯nau story from back home, and just being a part of the efforts to help,” Ruha said.
NZME, via the NZ Herald platform, will live screen the event.
The musical fundraiser is being organised by the Wha¯nau Ora Commissioning Agency and Whakaata Ma¯ori. The extravaganza from Parrs Park, Oratia, will also be live streamed by Whakaata Maori, Iwi Radio, Tik Tok and TVNZ and TVNZ2.
Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency chair Merepeka Raukawa-Tait said they are hoping to raise thousands to support the rebuild of communities hit by Cyclone Gabrielle, with an eight-hour concert being broadcast live to an audience of millions.
“We wanted to give some support to all of the families who have really suffered from the devastation by Cyclone Gabrielle, so we have collaborated with Whakaata Ma¯ori for this fantastic event. The line-up of artists is extraordinary, it is going to be a fun, entertaining wha¯nau-friendly day to raise as much putea as possible.”
The line-up includes Stan Walker, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Teeks, Ardijah, Kings, Troy Kingi, Bic Runga, Ruha and many more. #Maranga is also about the first responders and Raukawa-Tait said this is their chance to tune in with their own wha¯nau. The concert starts at 11am.