Taonga puoro were almost lost, now these wāhine are taking revival to new generation

July 20, 2021

We ask why these taonga almost disappeared and what their dreams are for the future of the practice.

We're in Te Whanganui-a-Tara to meet three wāhine who work with taonga puoro (traditional Māori musical instruments). We ask why these taonga almost disappeared and what their dreams are for the future of the practice.

The members of Maianginui discuss the challenges involved when carving out spaces for wāhine Māori in music and other art communities.

They discuss the common misconceptions of the roles that atua wāhine played in our pūrākau and origin narratives, both of taonga puoro and other instruments of traditional Māori existence.

It is apparent that there is still mahi needed surrounding the erasure of atua wāhine and wāhine Māori in te ao hurihuri.

This is episode one of He Kākano Ahau Season 2: Wawatatia, a podcast hosted by Kahu Kutia.

You can listen to the full 40-minute podcast here , or search "He Kākano Ahau" on any podcast app to subscribe to the series.

May we boundlessly dream of possibilities beyond our wildest imaginations. May we weave communities of support, compassion and active solidarity. With our history in front of us, and our tūpuna at our shoulders, may we walk into a future that is connected and thriving for us all. This is He Kākano Ahau Season 2: Wawatatia.

Follow along with the entire series  here .

By Ursula Grace Productions. In partnership with RNZ, made with the support of NZ On Air.

Re: makes videos, articles and podcasts that cover the important issues that matter to young New Zealanders. You can see more stories on their website, renews.co.nz.

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