Happy 2017!

Kia ora tātau,

Happy 2017! With the Summer festival season well under way and Te Matatini in Ngāti Kahungunu just around the corner, we want to wish everyone a very safe holiday period and travel to these various, exciting events.

So much has happened where Toni has been overseas, she has performed at a number of  shows around NZ with Kahungunu Maranga and now Tākitimu Karanga and will be one of the 6 MC's for Te Matatihi 2017! Many thanks to Mā te Reo - Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori and Te Mangai Pāho for their continued support and to Te Matatini Feb 23-26 2017 for a great anticipated event.

Most recently Toni has shot her new music video for the waiata Mohaka, back in the stunning region of Mohaka and from Toni's EP Kahungunu Maranga. We have also been busy producing hard copies of this EP so that all can have the opportunity to have your own copy.

Kahungunu Maranga and this video Mohaka are very close to Toni's heart. Her memorial to her grandfather Te Okanga (Aussie) Huata, whom composed Mohaka in memory of his mother Ropine Huata nee Aranui, it is also a reconnection to this stunning ancestral area for Toni and her family. A big kia ora goes out to NZ On Air for funding another Toni Huata music video and to Penn Productions - Scott and Hayley for doing a stellar production yet again and to Director Jharaz Kirione-Williams for working so easily with all the whānau talent on the day/s. This video highlights the beauty, grace, spirit and joy of Mohaka, with  stunning scenic shots and a heartfelt narrative story of returning to re-connect with Mohaka and the people. Another special mihi goes to our young talent that star in the video alongside Toni, Te Okanga Huata-Wagner and Ashanti Culshaw both 12 years at the shoot and who with no acting experience captured the spirit of this kaupapa and are just a delight to watch.

We look forward to the release/debut of the Mohaka video alongside a celebratory show with local talent in Te Kahu o te Amorangi Marae, Mohaka in February 2017. Keep tuned in for further details on the exact date as all whānau are welcome!

Whānau, there are so many great events coming up so enjoy! and as always - thanks for your support! Have a great Christmas/New Year and upcoming Te Matatini 2017 everyone.

Ngā mihi maioha ki a koutou katoa...mauri ora!