Waiata gifted to Starship by Pere Wihongi
A special new waiata has been gifted to Starship by esteemed artist Pere Wihongi.
This is a unique and collaborative effort, with Pere working alongside a team of exceptional mokopuna from various schools across Tāmaki Makaurau.
Pere is a multi-talented artist, writing and composing songs, performing kapa haka and reporting for TVNZ’s Te Karere.
Despite their busy schedule, Pere carved out time for this special kaupapa, which was performed for the first time during Matariki in the atrium of Auckland Hospital.
The waiata, Kia Manawa, serves as a heartfelt tribute to Dame Rangimārie Naida Glavish DNZM JP, a revered figure who has dedicated 33 years of her life to serving mokopuna and their whānau.
Pere worked alongside Papa Paraone Tai Tin composing and writing this piece, with vocals by Year 11 student Shelby Te Ua, who learnt the song right before going into the booth to record!
The waiata is dedicated to the tamariki of Starship, their whānau and the kaimahi/staff who work tirelessly to bring better and brighter futures to our children.
Starship Foundation’s CEO, Jo Simon, says she's grateful to Pere for this thoughtful kaupapa. “Thank you for sharing your talent and mahi with the Foundation, for the benefit of our tamariki at Starship.”
Every stream, download and play of this waiata generates funds for the Starship Foundation, which invests in research, technology, equipment and innovation for all children at Starship.
Special thanks to Te Māngai Pāho for support in creating the track itself.
You can listen here:
