‘Take This Away’ Wins Teen Violence Song Quest

‘Take This Away’ Wins Teen Violence Song Quest

Manawa Toa rocked to the top in the Yeah Nah anti-violence Eastern Bay of Plenty song quest at the weekend with their song ‘Take This Away’.

The band, from Te Kura Kaupapa Motuhake O Tawhiuau in Murupara, wowed judges with their unique synthesised song.

Second prize went to solo act Conall Aird, a Year 13 student from Trident High School in Whakatane with his song called ‘She Rose’.

Third prize went to 15 year Jess, otherwise known as Ducky, with a solo act from Te Apiti Hou in Whakatane singing her song ‘No More Pain’.

Teenagers from the Eastern Bay of Plenty raised their voices rather than their fists for the song quest "Violence - Yeah Nah it's not ok, but it is ok to ask for help.” The event was a first for the Bay and was organised by the local family violence network in partnership with Family Works and the national it’s not OK Campaign.

Family Works, BOP Service Manager Janice Belgrave says there are plans for another, bigger song quest next year.

It’s not OK Campaign manager Trish Green said the competition was an excellent way of getting young people to start thinking about family violence and knowing that they can ask for help. “A lot of work went into the song writing and the performances which were all terrific. It was a great event and it was good to see the local community and businesses supporting Yeah Nah idea,” she said.

Manawa Toa received a package that includes recording and broadcasting their song and its use by the national it’s not OK Campaign. Their school received $1000 cash, plus eight hours recording studio time to record their song, which will be played on radio stations throughout the Eastern Bay, plus a rafting trip for the whole band.

Manawa Toa Band members are lead singer Rahera Tapara, drummer Billy Maaka, lead guitarist Te Ariki Hall, bass player Te Huia Howden-Beamsley and on keyboards Hirama Higgins and Thomas & Kohi Turanga.Manawa Toa BandManawa Toa Band members are lead singer Rahera Tapara, drummer Billy Maaka, lead guitarist Te Ariki Hall, bass player Te Huia Howden-Beamsley and on keyboards Hirama Higgins and Thomas & Kohi Turanga.

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