“Many don’t realise the significant role our relatives of Te-Moananui-a-Kiwa played [in WWII]”.

This traditional Pasifika and Māori waiata is known in the Cook Islands/Kuki Airani as ‘Taku Vairua, My Spirit’

Have a listen to the waiata and hear the story behind it here. 

Rongo Toa is a series by Creative Nātives and Hāni Dread commemorating and celebrating the waiata of the 28th Māori Battalion for Anzac Day. 

Heeni Brown (Te Arawa, Te Aupōuri) and Te Wehi Preston (Mataatua, Te Arawa) uncover the stories behind the songs that have become part of our history. 

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How Sāmoa’s spirit women, Teine Sā, became demonised

Once seen as protectors, Sāmoa’s spirit women, Teine Sā, were considered powerful female deities. 

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Sixteen percent of young people in Aotearoa identify as part of the rainbow community.