In this episode of Oro Rua, James engages in a rich conversation with Ringa Toi Tāmihana Kātene, delving into Tāmihana's profound love for Te ao Māori and exploring the unique approach he brings to his taonga pūoro practice. With a heartfelt appreciation for te reo and its tīkanga, Tāmihana generously shares his personal journey, focusing on his quest to find traditional mediums for the transmission of tūpuna kōrero, including karakia and mōteatea. Tāmihana illuminates how this exploration has significantly influenced his path, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the kaupapa of taonga pūoro is not only preserved but actively carried forward to reach our tamariki and mokopuna. He highlights the traditional practices of haka, mōteatea, and karakia as vital conduits for passing on this cultural treasure to future generations. Join us in this insightful episode as we uncover the passion, dedication, and traditional wisdom that Tāmihana brings to the world of taonga pūoro, bridging the past and the future through the rhythmic threads of haka, the soulful notes of mōteatea, and the sacred echoes of karakia.

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of James Webster, a celebrated Māori artist whose journey through various artistic realms as a ringa toi is nothing short of extraordinary. From the intricate art of whakairo rākau to the profound symbolism of tā moko, and from the enchanting world of puppetry to the grandeur of large-scale sculpture, James has left his mark on the Taonga Pūoro revitalization from its very inception. Join Libby and James as they unravel the story of James's introduction to te ao Pūoro and explore the myriad influences that have shaped his extensive journey as a multi-disciplinary ringa toi. James draws inspiration from diverse muses that leave their imprint on his Taonga Pūoro practice, contributing to his fervor for ngā mahi toi ā te Māori. Throughout this creative odyssey, various artistic practices have converged and merged, giving birth to new and unique taonga. In this engaging episode, we discover the rich tapestry of James's artistic exploration, where tradition meets innovation, and the spirit of creativity knows no bounds.

In this episode, Salvador Brown, a dedicated musician and skilled taonga pūoro practitioner, embarks on a journey of passion and connection, exploring how his love for taonga pūoro is intricately woven into his whakapapa in Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, specifically Haamoa. With a profound devotion to oro and the rich musical traditions that resonate throughout the Pacific, Salvador delves into the mesmerizing world of oro, vibrations, and musical traditions in the Pacific. He sheds light on the remarkable closeness of these traditions and their interwoven history, discussing how the art of oro, the power of vibration, and the musical traditions of the Pacific have evolved and adapted through the epic voyage to Aotearoa from the Pacific. Join us in this episode as we unravel the connections between music, culture, and heritage, and discover the profound significance of oro in Salvador's journey and in the wider Pacific context.

In this episode, Libby engages in a captivating conversation with the well-known composer and taonga puoro practitioner, Horomona Horo, hailing from Ngāpuhi, Taranaki, and Ngāti Porou. Together, they embark on a journey into Horomona's deep love for te ao Māori and explore how his connection, not only with Taonga Pūoro but also with te reo and its tikanga, became a form of Rongoā (healing) throughout his life.  From the bustling streets of Auckland to the profound expression of his oro (sound) through his passion for te ao Māori, Horomona's path has been profoundly influenced by Hip Hop culture. He has skillfully combined and fused various musical genres to express his wairua (spirit) in a unique and impactful way. Join us in this episode as we delve into the fascinating story of Horomona Horo, where music, culture, and the spirit converge in a harmonious journey of self-expression and healing.

In this compelling episode of our Taonga Pūoro podcast, we have the privilege of sitting down with Shane James, a multifaceted individual with roots in Muaūpoko, Ngaitahu, Ngāti Apa, Rangitāne, Te Arawa, and Ngāti Kuia. Shane generously shares his extensive experience in caring for taonga Māori over an extended period. Shane's unwavering passion for mahi toi (artistic work) and the preservation of taonga crafted by our tūpuna (ancestors) has driven him to immerse himself in the study of exquisite examples of artistic excellence. These treasures are lovingly held and safeguarded by the dedicated team at Te Papa Tongarewa. As both a skilled carver and a curator of mahi toi, Shane carries with him a wealth of mātauranga (knowledge) gathered throughout his journey. His mission is to ensure that this knowledge is accessible to contemporary Māori artists who are engaged in the vital work of researching the artworks of our tūpuna. Shane's invaluable experiences and insights stand as a beacon, guiding those who seek to honor and build upon the rich artistic heritage of our ancestors. Join us in this episode as we delve into the world of taonga Māori and gain a deeper understanding of the dedication and expertise required to care for and perpetuate these cherished treasures.

In this captivating episode of our Taonga Pūoro podcast, join us as we journey with Libby Gray, a practitioner hailing from Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Rehia, Uepōhatu, and Tamaūpoko. Libby takes us on an exploration of her Taonga Pūoro practice while fondly reminiscing about the teachings of her late Kaiako, Rangiiria Hadley. With a dedicated focus on spreading the transformative concept of Taonga Pūoro hei Rongoā, Libby passionately shares her extensive skills with our community, particularly guiding wahine through the profound journey of hapūtanga (pregnancy), offering a holistic approach to wellbeing during this special time. Dive into this episode for a glimpse into the enriching world of Taonga Pūoro and its potential to nurture the spirit and body.

In this captivating episode of Oro Rua, Horomona engages in a rich conversation with esteemed researcher, composer, and mātanga reo, Dr. Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, hailing from Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tamaterā, and Ngā Puhi. Delving into the depths of te ao pūoro, Te Ahukaramū shares his journey as a classically trained musician who has embraced the indigenous musical practices of the Māori culture, including the mesmerizing realms of te reo, mōteatea, haka, and tākaro. Join us as we uncover how this profound passion has led him to a profound affection for the intricacies of the whare tapere, a world of captivating complexity waiting to be explored.

Libby Gray explores the spiritual practices of Komako Silver, Ngāti Pakahi, Ngā Puhi and her unique approach to her Taonga Pūoro practice. Influenced by a spirituality based up bringing Komako talks to her introduction to taonga pūoro through the growing of hue and connection to Atua Māori and how the spiritual belief systems of other cultures has played a huge part in her practice. E te hunga whakarongo, me are taringa mai.

In this episode, James Webster and Libby Gray engage in a wānanga with the late tohunga pūoro, Hinewirangi Kohu-Morgan of Ngāti Kahungungu and Tauranga Moana. We delve into her vast experience in te ao pūoro, starting with the māramatanga (understanding) taught to her by her pāpā and the elders who guided her journey into te ao pūoro. We explore the teachings passed down by her pāpā, reflecting on his kōrero of the four doors of the oro tangata (human voice) and their significance as pūoro in her practice. Hinewirangi is passionate about her understanding of Ātua Māori and the current gender imbalance that misguides our people. Her story is one of pain and trauma, and how her own healing journey has guided and motivated her to help others heal through oro. Kei te Māreikura, Kei te tōhunga pūoro hoki wairua mai.

Reti Hedley, nō Ngāti Tūwharetoa, is an established musician, composer and audio producer. Mentored by his late mother Rangiiria Hedley, a renowned taonga pūoro artist and lecturer, Reti inherited her knowledge of taonga pūoro. Reti has progressed this precious knowledge further with a degree at WINTEC, which he now incorporates into his life and his band ‘IA’, helping to open up a space for Maori musicians to make both Taonga Puoro and Te Reo Māori more accessible to the public.

Tāmihana speaks with carver and community pūoro facilitator Sam Palmer. Brought up in a Pākehā upbringing, the ‘Wood Ninja’ Sam, speaks about what first drew him to Taonga Puoro. He elaborates on his in-depth practical instrument making wānanga that he runs, the formal tikanga of how he approaches whakairo within a modern context, and also the incorporation of other practitioner’s influences within his teachings and sharing of mātauranga māori.

James interviews Grammy award winning soloist and Māori taonga puoro specialist Jerome Kavanagh Poutama nō Ngāti Maniapoto - Matakore, Mōkai Pātea, Ngāti Rangi - Ata Whanganui, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Caomhánach (Irish). Jerome shares his early beginnings in Taonga Puoro, how his practice evolved from working in kura and kohanga reo, and how the settling practice of Oro Atua was developed. Fascinated with sound that activates human power, Jerome furthered this with technology and has travelled the world performing with Taonga Puoro in a modern context, and has a composers residency at Victoria University.

In this episode, Libby and Thomas discuss the use of Taonga Puoro in the hauora space, as a tool for aiding mental health and addiction recovery. They also discuss some exciting plans for future projects, such as a Taonga Puoro orchestra.

Wiremu Sarich, of Ngā Puhi and Te Rarawa descent, is a leading Māori educator in the Far North, working with young and old alike to create inclusive spaces for exploring Ngā Taonga Takaro and Taonga Puoro. He chats with Horomono Horo about his playful work - a result of his carefree childhood growing up in South Auckland and connection to Te Ao Måori through his whanau.

Tāmihana is joined by multi-disciplinary artist, storyteller and tāonga pūoro practitioner, Te Kahureremoa Taumata, nō Ngāti Kahungunu me Ngāti Tuwharetoa. With a love for sound and strong a connection to te taiao, Te Kahureremoa chats about cultural influences, her passion for sharing mātauranga through kōrero pūrākau, and her own creative musical endeavours with Taonga Puoro.

For Jo’el Kōmene, his taonga puoro are a connection to the soul. A musician and carver with whakapapa to Nga Puhi, Tainui and Tapuika, he tells of his toi Māori journey; beginning with learning whakairo which fuelled a passion for Taonga Puoro, then furthering his practice with a masters in the kōauau. Now working in education and sharing his mātauranga, Jo’el is a key player in the revitalisation of te ao toi Māori.

As a renowned craftsman and an enthusiast, Brian Flintoff shares his memories and thoughts around the use, and proliferation of taonga puoro. He also briefly shares the story of coming up with the name "Haumanu".

Horomona Horo speaks with practitioner and cultural consultant Kelly Kahukiwa nō Te Arawa Iwi about entering the world of music through jazz musician Stu Buchanan. Starting with the saxophone and then focusing on Taonga Puoro, Kelly shares insights into his mahi of building bridges of cultural understanding through his practise of Mā Oriori. He gives back to the Ngāhere with the Oro and the Whē of puoro and helps to obtain positive outcomes for Ngāi Māori.

Ruby Solly shares her thoughts and feelings about Taonga Puoro with Awhina Tamarapa. The pair cover some of the more memorable experiences in Taonga Puoro, influential people they've worked with and interesting ways that traditional Māori music can be fused with Western traditional instruments. Ruby Solly (Kai Tahu) is a musician, taonga puoro practitioner, music therapist and writer living in Wellington. She has played with artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Whirimako Black, Trinity Roots, and The New Zealand String Quartet as both a cellist, and a player of traditional Māori instruments (ngā taonga puoro).  Awhina Tamarapa (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Pikiao) holds a Bachelor of Māori Laws and Philosophy from Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Otaki, and a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University, Wellington, where she majored in Anthropology. She has worked in museums for more than 10 years, including as concept developer and collection manager at Te Papa.

Tāmihana has a kōrero with Isaac Te Awa - a curator of Mātauranga Māori at Te Papa Museum, who is early in his Taonga Pūoro journey. They kōrero about Isaac’s introduction to the practise, initiatives he is involved in for invigorating the taonga pūoro community in Wellington and how preserving the precious taonga at the museum influences his personal growth and approach to mahi toi.