Final EP ‘Mutuwhenua’ Brings Kōkōuri Full Circle

Under the stillness of the full moon, Kōkōuri reaches its finale with the release of the third and final EP, ‘Mutuwhenua’.

This closing chapter introduces new and seasoned voices MAJIC, Pakiri, Tuakoi, and rising star Shelby Te Ua, alongside the returning powerhouses NAIA, PERE, Haami, and Seth Haapu. Grammy-nominated producer Rory Noble plays a leading role, producing four of the five tracks.

Much like Mutuwhenua, which marks the last night of the lunar month in the maramataka, this EP features the last five songs that were born from the three-day creative wānanga at Roundhead Studios.

Ringarehe of Kōkōuri, Hana Mereraiha, says that while this EP marks the finale of the three-part release, Kōkōuri will be something to be continued in the future.

“These 15 waiata flow through every phase of the maramataka. These projects weave the mātauranga Māori of the marama into the lives of all who listen” says Mereraiha.

“Mutuwhenua is a time to honour endings and prepare for new light. With this final EP we close the years-long kaupapa and carry its akoranga into future projects. These waiata are a sonic offering that carries listeners from the serene into the light of new beginnings,” says Mereraiha.

MUTUWHENA - EP THREE Released 22.08.25

1. Ranga Wairua – Tuakoi (feat. Haami & NAIA) | Produced by Rory Noble

2. Nōti Nōta – PERE | Produced by Rory Noble

3. Tīkina – MAJIC | Produced by Rory Noble

4. Te Uamairangi – Shelby Te Ua | Produced by Noema Te Hau III

5. Tama O Te Rā – Pakiri (feat. MAJIC & NAIA) | Produced by Seth Haapu & Rory Noble

About Kōkōuri

Kōkōuri is a kaupapa created in honour of Kōkōtea; a waiata composing wānanga for wāhine Māori initiated in 2023 by respected luminary, Dame Hinewehi Mohi.

Kōkōuri was born in 2025 in association with Tauripua Creations, offering a tuakana-teina space for both emerging and established artists of diverse identities and backgrounds to collaborate within a kaupapa Māori framework.

Named after the melodious Tūī, Kōkōuri draws creative and spiritual inspiration from te ao Māori, with the artwork by ringatoi Shannon Te Rangihaeata Clamp reflecting its cosmic symbolism and connection to the natural world.

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