Song-writing competition - inspired by "my whānau my future" - to be judged by Maisey Rika, Pere Wihongi and Tawaroa Kawana. Entries close June 14.
The E Tū Whānau Song Competition is now open. Songwriters throughout Aotearoa are asked to showcase their songwriting and performance skills by entering original pieces written on the theme of "my whānau my future".
There are two entry categories: Rangatahi - 18 years and under; and Open Entry - 19 years +. Prizes within each category are as follows: 1st - $2,500; 2nd - $1,000; 3rd - $500; and Highly Commended - $250. Entries will be judged by renowned, award-winning musicians Maisey Rika, Pere Wihongi and Tawaroa Kawana.
Whānau will also be able to vote online for the People’s Choice Award from Monday June 17 to Friday June 21. The entry with the most votes overall will be awarded a prize of $1,500. Voters also go into a draw to win themselves a $150 gift card.
This is the sixth time the E Tū Whānau Song Competition has been run by Māori Media Network in conjunction with E Tū Whānau and iwi radio. All competition winners will be announced on Friday June 28, midday via the E Tū Whānau Facebook page.
“The theme of this year’s song competition speaks to the manawa, the heart of the E Tū Whānau kaupapa - te mana kaha o te whānau - the strength and power of the whānau,” says E Tū Whānau Kaiwhakahaere, Heni Turner. “At E Tū Whānau, we see the strength and power of whānau demonstrated every day through the mahi of the community groups we support. We’re all working together for a prosperous, violence-free future for everyone. Now that’s something to sing about!”
Teresa McGregor of Māori Media Network says the E Tū Whānau Song Competition is for everyone: “This is a national song competition which gives everyone – young and old – the opportunity to express their aroha and hope for the future of their whānau, and in their own unique ways, through the language of music. In the past we’ve received entries from individuals, bands and whānau groups, as well as kohanga reo and kura, churches and clubs, even kapa haka rōpu. So, it’s open to anyone and everyone who wants to enter. With the amazing cash prizes we’re hoping to get lots of entries.”
Entrants are encouraged to read the competition info and rules first before entering. Once approved, entries can be viewed in the competition gallery. E Tū Whānau – working together for a violence-free future – te mana kaha o te whānau.