Weta

Weta formed in Wellington in 1995, after singer/songwriter Aaron Tokona met drummer Clinton den Heyer at the Rockquest contest. Guitarist Gabriel Atkinson and Tokona’s bass-playing brother Clinton (better known as Tookie) would finally complete the foursome. After extensive touring — including opening for Foo Fighters and Soundgarden — and a move to Melbourne, Weta released album Geographica in September 2000. Two months later, worn out, the band called it a day. The album went platinum in Aotearoa, but its Australian release was cancelled. A reunion tour followed in 2008. Aaron Tokona died of a heart attack on 20 June 2020.