Te Huaki Puanaki Wows The Country With Earthquake Songs

Te Huaki Puanaki Wows The Country With Earthquake Songs

Thursday 15th September

Last week on the anniversary of the first Christchurch Earthquake on September 4th 2010, Christchurch’s own local Maori Language singer , musician, composer Te Huaki Puanaki launched three new songs in commemoration of the first earthquake, Celebrating the resilience and fortitude of the people of Christchurch.

The launch took place at the Christchurch Museum on the weekend of their re- opening . The launch actually took place alongside a special exhibition (to quote Te Huaki) called “ Hearts for Christchurch” where Te Huaki says was very special for him. That exhibition so coincided with one of his songs “ Angels of Mercy”, a song giving thanks and acknowledgement to the hundreds of people who came to Christchurch to assist with the post – earthquake traumas.

Since his launch on September 4th, Te Huaki has had the opportunity to sing before a variety of audiences in Christchurch, culminating with him singing before crowds at the Waiata Maori Music Awards staged in Hastings last week. It was worth all the blood, sweat and tears he states as he recalls the moments when he sang his songs there, and the feeling , the outpouring of support and empathy from the crowds.

I felt the people with me, with us as I delivered the songs..firstly the “ Angels of Mercy’ song where we thank the country and the world for their unconditional support and love in the aftermath after the quakes….and secondly when I performed the song “Otautahi – Christchurch – Rise up” to the crowd. It’s difficult he says to sing that song anyway without shedding a tear, but when you look out and see emotion being reflected back at you from the audience , wow, it’s electric says Te Huaki.

My appreciation, he says goes out to Mr Tama Huata the director of the Waiata Maori Music Awards who gave me the opportunity to sing at that prestigious event. I also give thanks to the many well – known Maori musicians, performers and audience for their appreciation of the songs.

Says Ms Taisha Pari, Ambassador of the Maori Music Awards, what a voice, what a great song, we’ve got to take it somewhere! an emotion being echoed by many other musicians present. Supported also by Veteran singer and performer Dean Waretini who agrees by saying , this young fulla has a massive voice indeed. Thank you Tama Huata for the platform you provide for our young people to cut their musical teeth on.

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