Ngā Waiata Tuku Iho "Traditional Songs Passed Down".

We aim to reclaim, restore and record Ngā Waiata Tuku Iho before they are lost. These are composed of eight  Waiata.  Whānau will hold Wānanga to teach these Waiata to our artists, who will then compose the music for these Waiata. The songs will be professionally recorded in a high-quality studio with an experienced audio engineer, then mixed and mastered. Finished recordings will be packaged for Whanau and future generations to come.

We invite whānau, friends, collegues, Waiata Maori fans, Artists, Music Producers, Musicians, Hauraki people and supporters to contribute. This project shares our language, strengthens our culture, and supports the wellbeing of the people who will enjoy these Waiata. 

Language heals; Waiata is the vessel.

I have the full blessing of my Whānau to lead this project to learn our Waiata and develop them into two distinct genres: one that preserves traditional form and another that presents contemporary, modern interpretations. 

I am also supported by respected musicians from Hauraki, including Mark Taukiri (Native Sons) and his son Dallas Reti Taukiri, Charles Tana (Ninjah), Dion Clarke. The Vocal contributions will be provided by our selected Whānau.

Together, this collective brings cultural connection, musical expertise, and vocal strength to ensure the project honors tradition while exploring innovative expression.

This campaign will fund the full production, support, and distribution of our music project. Ensuring whanau participation, professional recording quality, and broad release. Specifically, funds will cover:

• Wananga support for whanau who travel from afar (fuel, travel allowances, lunches).
• Musicians’ and vocalists’ travel and meal expenses for rehearsals and practices.
• Studio hire for days needed approx 5 to 7.
• Audio engineer hire for days needed.
• Mixing and mastering fees.
• Travel and meal expenses associated with studio sessions.
• Koha for Artists time and contrubution.
• Purchase of a dedicated hard drive for masters and safe storage.
• Artwork, CD covers and packaging, or vinyl manufacture.
• Distribution via DistroKid to some music platforms.

These resources will ensure accessible participation, high-quality recordings, professional finishing, and effective of the finished project.

This campaign responds to a moment of urgency I felt at a Whānau reunion while supporting my Grandfather’s sisters, the last remaining siblings. As we stood together—sharing stories, singing Waiata and tracing the Whakapapa of those songs—I felt a deep sadness realizing that, unless action is taken, these waiata and the knowledge around them will be lost when our kaumātua are gone. Too much taonga is disappearing when it is not actively passed down or recognised for its value by Whānau and community.

I come from a long line of Waiata composer, Musician'  and performers — from my Great-Great-Grandfather Ngakoma Ngamene to Uncle Ahurewa (Mani) and Aunty Makiuni Piahana, Uncle Patupo Koroneho, Papa Nick Searancke, Papa Herbert Kupai Williams, Howard Williams, Charles Scearancke, cousins the Clarkes (from the band Solitaire).  Ngamihinui to the many other composers, performers, Kapahaka Ngā Whanau and Hapu of Hauraki.  Honorabl  Mentions to Johny Clarke, Korohere Ngāpo, Charles  Royal.

I am Ngakoma: songwriter, lyricist and producer, co founder of the band 4 Corners (Two Top 40 debuts singles, NZ Vodafone Music Awards and Australian Urban Music Awards nominations). 

I teach songwriting and performance to Rangatahi in Thames and continue to collaborate and release music.  Most recently contributing to the remix of Tim Fin's “Fraction to Much Friction” along side Maria Huata, Logan Bell, Rakai, Kayla Green and Dally Taukiri.  My progression in Music was built on the shoulders of those before me.

Campaign goals and activities

• Preserve and document Waiata and their Whakapapa through recordings, transcriptions and archival resources.
• Empower Rangatahi with songwriting, performance and whakapapa knowledge through workshops and ongoing mentorship.
• Contribute to kaupapa, hold Wananga that support and reconnect Whānau with their musical heritage and ensure Waiata remain living as we share our Taonga.

This project aims to motivate our musical legacy, strengthen intergenerational transmission of Waiata and restore visible value to these Taonga for Ngā whānau and future generations to come.

We live in the times where 'cancel culture' is ripe and the world is full of so much information it can be overwhelming.

However, this is a project that is about keeping culture alive so that families for many years to come will know the Waiata that was sung to lift the Mana of our People and our Whenua.  The Waiata that was writen by our Tupuna, our Kaumatua and now to be here for future generations to learn.  This will be a story of  whanau who made a great effort to hold on to our Waiata, our Taonga with both hands and create a project that can be enjoyed by not only Hauraki Whanau, but people all over the world; people who come to Aotearoa.  We as a whanau are brave enough to put ourselves out to the world, sharing our hopes and dreams to achieve the unachievable, as a whanau. A Whanau to have our Toanga Waiata preserved in the highest quality possible. These Waiata have great meaning and are well worth saving. 

Join us and  be apart of making history and help save Ngā Waiata Taonga Tuku Iho.  We call on you and all our Whanau, Friends, Collegues, Musicians, Artists, Waiata Fans, and people who just want to support a worthy cause.  lets make this knowledge move. Thank you.

 It is not about the size of the Koha but Koha pounamu.