Hirini Melbourne Photo: University of Waikato
Dr Hirini Melbourne of Ngāi Tūhoe and Ngāti Kahungunu was a significant leader in the revival of Māori culture through his waiata and use of taonga pūoro.
Hirini Melbourne’s collaboration with Richard Nunns, Brian Flintoff and others associated with the revival of taonga pūoro, traditional Māori instruments changed the soundscape of Aotearoa.
It’s just one of many collaborations Melbourne formed with others who shared his passions for music and te reo Māori. His willingness to join forces with so many people, Pākehā as well as Māori, is one reason his music is so ubiquitous and enduring.
For example, the 2002 feature film The Māori Merchant of Venice, based on Shakespeare’s play, features Hirini onscreen as a musician, several versions of his waiata are heard, as well as his lyrics set to music by Clive Cockburn and sung by Mere Boynton.
Music Details:
MELBOURNE/ NUNNS Takapau Horonui, from Te Ku Te Whe - Rattle RATCD 004
MELBOURNE Nga Tamariki o te Kohu, from Ruatoki Children sing… - Replay Radio RR515
MELBOURNE Ngā Tamariki o te Kohu, from Waikohu - Trust MMT 2034
MELBOURNE Pirihina o Arakona, from The Māori Merchant of Venice - Te Whai Rawa CD 001
COLEMAN/ MOHI Pepepe, from Oceania - Point 536 775
MELBOURNE Ko te mea nui, excerpt from Mauri - Awatea Films 1988
MELBOURNE Ngā Roimata, excerpt from Mauri - Awatea Films 1988
MELBOURNE Ngā Roimata, from Toiapiapi - Titi Tangiao TT 001
MELBOURNE He waiata moemoeā, from Hinepukohurangi - Replay Radio RR222
MELBOURNE Taku Pūtōrino, from Toiapiapi - Titi Tangiao TT 001
COLEMAN/ MOHI Pukaea - Oceania 536 775
MELBOURNE arr KELLY Homai o Ringa, from Te Whaiao - RATD 0014
Pipiwharauroa, from Forest and Ocean - Viking Sevenseas VPS 496
MELBOURNE arr BENSON Pipiwharauroa – Dudley Benson
MELBOURNE E Rere Te Manu - Island Boys Entertainment
MELBOURNE Purea Nei, from Te Kuraroa - Kia Ata Mai CD 001
