Tū Mai Rā

Waiata 'Tū Mai Rā' has a serious purpose. In 2021 Palmerston North-born muscian and te reo Māori consultant Tawaroa Kawana met with rangatahi (young people) from iwi Rangitāne o Wairarapa and Rangitāne o Tamaki nui-ā-Rua, to find a way to combat high rates of Māori youth suicide in the Wairarapa. Kawana reworked a song originally written by his uncle Mike Kawana, recording a new version with local talent. In this video for 'Tū Mai Rā' ( translating to "stand before the sun"), members of Tini Whetū share the mic and spread the aroha, communicating a message of positivity and strength in stressful times. 

What made me want to come back here and help serve the people was just hearing that there are many rangatahi going before their time. Yeah it just broke my heart.

– Tawaroa Kawana on the purpose behind this song, in episode 18 of Waiata Anthems (2023)

Key Cast & Crew

Corinna Hunziker

Director

Parehuia Mackay

Producer

Julia Parnell

Producer

Sophie Coombs

Editor