Dame Hinewehi Mohi talks to Charlotte Ryan about her remarkable life, and her brave moments that brought te reo Māori to the world's stage through music.
2024 marks a year of significant anniversaries for Dame Hinewehi. It’s the 25th anniversary of the release of her debut album Oceania, the 25th anniversary her of monumental performance at the 1999 Rugby World Cup when she became the first person to sing the National Anthem in te reo Māori, the 20th anniversary of the her music therapy charity, the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre and the 5th anniversary of Waiata Anthems, where she supported local artists to translate and perform their songs in te reo Māori.
The New Zealand Music Hall of Fame was set up to recognise artists that have had a significant impact on the evolution and development of Aotearoa music. Past inductees include Margaret Urlich, Annie Crummer, Supergroove, Straightjacket Fits, Toy Love and most recently Don McGlashen.