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September 24, 2024
Iwi radio trailblazer Cyril Chapman off air
Adam Gifford
Posted On September 24, 2024
Land protester, musician and Maori radio pioneer Cyril Chapman has died at the age of 70.
On the 1975 Maori Land March, Mr Chapman was made kaitiaki of the march pouwhenua.
He carried the spirit of that pouwhenua into iwi radio, serving as managing director of Tautoko FM in Mangamuka Bridge since he founded it with his brother Hori in 1988, using old equipment gifted from Auckland student radio BFM.
He also made music, including the much cherished Te Hononga series of old Hokianga waiata.
Fellow broadcaster Jason Ake said on Facebook that Mr Chapman’s advocacy for Maori broadcasting was forthright, especially when it impacted his slice of paradise.
He offered sage advice to the sector but his loyalty to Tautoko FM was as solid as the volcanic base of his surrounding mountains.
Tangihanga details will be shared shortly.
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