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April 02, 2026
#culture: Riqi Harawira Revives Ancestral Sound with Bold New Waiata Ahead of Pasifika Festival
Dale Husband
Posted On April 2, 2026
Download AudioMāori artist and family violence practitioner Riqi Harawira is bringing the past into the present with the release of his latest single Rerenga Wairua, a powerful reimagining of a 1970s waiata transformed into a contemporary boogie-rock anthem.
With whakapapa to Ngāpuhi and Tainui, Harawira’s work sits at the intersection of music, identity, and social impact. His latest release draws on the foundations of an earlier generation, taking a waiata rooted in history and reshaping it for today’s audiences through a modern, high-energy sound.
The decision to revisit and reinterpret the original composition reflects a broader movement within Māori music – one that honours tradition while pushing creative boundaries. By blending classic waiata with contemporary genres, Harawira is helping to ensure these stories remain relevant, accessible, and alive for new generations.
At the heart of Rerenga Wairua is a message of unity across iwi and waka, a theme that resonates deeply within Harawira’s work both as an artist and as a practitioner supporting whānau. His professional experience in the field of family violence informs his creative approach, grounding his music in kaupapa that emphasise connection, healing, and collective strength.
The release comes just ahead of his performance at the Pasifika Festival, one of the largest celebrations of Pacific cultures in the region. The timing positions the track as both a personal statement and a broader cultural offering, aligning with a vision that extends beyond a single release.
Harawira’s upcoming album Te Karanga is expected to further explore these themes, weaving together reo Māori, rock influences, and storytelling rooted in whakapapa. The project reflects a commitment to creating music that is not only entertaining but also meaningful, carrying messages that speak to identity, belonging, and resilience.
His sound continues to push against conventional boundaries, merging genres and cultural elements in a way that reflects the diversity of modern Māori expression. By combining the energy of rock with the depth of traditional narratives, Harawira is carving out a space that is both innovative and grounded.
As Rerenga Wairua reaches audiences for the first time, it offers more than just a listening experience. It invites reflection, connection, and a renewed appreciation for the stories and values that continue to shape Māori identity.
With his Pasifika Festival performance on the horizon and a full album in development, Harawira is positioning himself as a leading voice in a new wave of Māori artists – one that honours the past while boldly stepping into the future.
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