13 February 2015

Iwi Radio Tribute to Tama Huata

Katanuku katanuku

Katanuku katanuku

Katanuku te tihi o te maunga katanuku

E ki e ki te kaha o aitua, kore e taea te karo

Katahi ano ka mutu te poroporoaki mo a te tipua no Ngati Porou, katahi ka hinga ano teeteehi totara nunui o te ao Maori

E Tama kua oti te mamae, kua oti te pakanga

A tona waa takahia atu ra I te ara whanui a Taane

Engari mo teenei waa

Takoto mai Takoto.

Tiraha mai i waenganui i a taatou, te whanau e aue nei i te pouritanga

E te rangatira e Tama moe mai.

It is with much sadness that Iwi radio recognises the passing of the brilliant Tama Huata. Sadly I won't be able to attend his tangi as I am overseas, however it is important that I pay tribute on behalf of the Iwi radio network to one of Maoridoms finest promotors of Maori culture. Tama was ahead of his time he was innovative, creative and always doing things that no one else would even think about.

Whether it was putting a Kapa Haka group in New York, running the national Kapa Haka competitions or organising the National Maori music awards from his hometown of Hastings, Tama did it and normally better than anyone else. He was a big supporter of Maori radio and that was one of the main reasons why Whakaruruhau has helped with some of his Maori music awards sponsorship over the last few years. His passing has left a huge gap to fill in the Maori arts cultural and promotion area and on behalf of Iwi radio I give all our condolences to his Whanau and tribe Ngati Kahungunu.

Willie Jackson

Chairman

Iwi Maori Radio Network

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