Kanorau SongHubs 2026
Introducing Kanorau SongHubs 2026, a unique collaborative songwriting wānanga bringing together Indigenous songwriters of the regions APRA represents - to connect, create and collaborate through music, language, and the sharing of culture.
Kanorau, meaning 'many colours', reflects the diversity of language and culture of those who gathered in Tāmaki Makaurau this October 11-15, with each participant adding their own richness to the shared kaupapa - at the heart of which was a commitment to uplifting Indigenous language and tradition through song.
Beginning with a pōhiri by Ngāti Whātua at Ōrākei Marae, the kaupapa moved into three days of writing at Tāmaki's Roundhead Studios, highlighting the weaving together of Indigenous languages, storytelling and traditional instruments.
This year's ngā kaihautū puoro (producers) were Aubrie Mitchell (Ngāti Raukawa, Cook Islands, Tonga), Saia Tu'itahi (Tonga), Canaan Ene (Samoa), and Noema Te Hau III (Ngāti Porou, Rongomaiwahine). They worked with ngā kaitito waiata (songwriters) Rā Toia-Booth (Ngāpuhi, Tainui), Tali Enjalas 'Vallé' Jenkinson (Papua New Guinea), Katerina 'Tree' Vaifale (Samoa), Ngulmiya Nundhirribala (Numbulwar, Australia), Hope Fuimaono (Waikato-Tainui), Zipporah Corser-Anu (Samu & Suy Clans - Saibai, Torres Strait Islands), Jarred 'BooxKid' Wall (Noongar, Australia), Siosiua 'Folau' Atuekaho (Tonga), Pere Wihongi (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kuri, Ngāti Wai), and Majic Paora (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei), alongside ngā pūkenga rau (specialist contributors) Rāhana 'WAIWHAI' Tito-Taylor (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua Kaipara, Waikato-Tainui), and Dimple Bani Jr. (Wagadagam - Mabuyag, Torres Strait Islands).
The three-day wānanga guided the sixteen participants to create eleven waiata - managing to platform ten languages: Enga; Māori; Wubuy; Noongar; Kala Lagaw Ya; Tongan; Samoan; English; Tok Pisin; Kalaw Kawaw Ya.
Photos: Julie Zhu.
