A new voice is echoing across the airwaves – Haanaa, a rising Māori singer and songwriter, has just stepped into the spotlight with a powerful message of whānau, reo, and strength. Her story – and her music – is resonating deeply within our communities.
Haanaa, of Mātaatua and Tainui waka heritage, has long carried her whakapapa and personal experiences into her music. In 2024, she was already recognised as a finalist for Best Māori Female Solo Artist and Best Māori Songwriter at the Waiata Māori Music Awards – a sign that her talent and voice were not going unnoticed.
In December 2025, she released her debut EP Tōku Ao along with a lead single titled Wahine Toa – a waiata in reo Māori honouring the strength, resilience, and mana of wāhine across Aotearoa. The song features celebrated Māori artist Maisey Rika, whose support Haanaa describes as a dream come true.
Through her waiata, Haanaa speaks to the struggles and triumphs many tāngata Māori know too well. She offers a message of hope and solidarity: to wāhine, to mothers, to daughters, to every wāhine growing into their strength. “Wahine Toa is for our kuia, māmā, sisters, daughters, and uri whakatupu,” she says — a reminder that no one stands alone.
Haanaa’s work goes beyond entertainment. For her, music is a waka: a way to carry identity, whakapapa, and culture forward. Growing up with waiata and kapa haka, studying tikanga Māori – she brings lived experience, passion and purpose into her songwriting.
Her debut EP touches on themes that matter deeply: motherhood, mental health, resilience, and the search for self – especially for Māori women and communities who have historically been underrepresented. Through soulful rhythms, powerful lyrics, and reo Māori, Haanaa invites listeners to feel seen, heard, and connected.
Haanaa’s emergence is a reminder that Māori music continues to evolve, grow, heal, and inspire. It shows that our reo, stories, and whakapapa remain alive – in new voices, new generations, and new expressions.
For Radio Waatea listeners and communities across Aotearoa, Haanaa’s kaupapa is a call to listen, share, and support. Celebrate our wāhine. Celebrate te reo. Celebrate the strength that flows through our whānau and whenua.
As Māori media and music continue to transform, voices like Haanaa’s bring hope – that our stories will keep flowing, and our rangatahi will keep singing in their own voice.
