Concert aims to raise $10,000 to support young Māori songwriters

Youth music charity Play It Strange is hoping to raise $10,000 to support rangitahi in their annual Waiata Māori Competition.

Play It Strange Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Brown says entries have surged since the competition launched in 2024, growing by 122 per cent. Despite this growth, she said the competition has received no external funding.

The 2024 Waiata Māori Competition winner, Uta Te Whanga Ripia‑McGregor, performs his winning waiata at the Play It Strange Annual Showcase. Photo credit: Steve Bone Photography.

“We went ahead anyway, thanks to our amazing Board backing the cause and taking the funding risk.”

Brown said the competition costs are around $20,000, and the charity aims to raise $10,000 to cover nine studio sessions and mastering for their finalists.

“It won’t cover the competition costs, but it will help.”

To support the kaupapa, Play It Strange will host an all-ages fundraising concert at The Tuning Fork on 26 August.

Ria Hall, an acclaimed artist, is part of this year’s judging panel. Photo: Supplied by Play It Strange.

Artists performing include platinum artist Paige, Silver Scroll winner Nat Hutton from There’s A Tuesday, and Play It Strange alumni Rebel Reid, Nikau Grace, Lily Stiven, Salem Mahia, and Cameron Beattie.

The Waiata Māori Competition aims to help rangatahi feel confident and comfortable writing in te reo Māori. Performer Paige says: “The Waiata Māori Competition is an important vessel for our rangatahi to tell their stories. It empowers future generations to help te reo Māori flourish throughout our music industry and everyday lives.”

Noema Te Hau III is one of the judges. He is a producer, songwriter, and multi‑instrumentalist. Photo: Supplied by Play It Strange.

Brown says the competition has grown thanks to guidance from respected industry leaders. “Some incredible industry legends believed in us and guided us, including Sarah Owan, Kairangaranga of Ka Koroki Ka Maranga, Māori Music Industry Collective, and Dame Hinewehi Mohi, Manukura Puoro Māori at APRA AMCOS NZ.” She is encouraging people to purchase $25 tickets, donate through their campaign page, or contribute products for their fundraising hampers.