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.
The natural world [Te Wao Nui a Tane] was a huge source of inspiration for Hirini Melbourne’s music. He used his voice, guitar and later, taonga püoro, to convey the sounds of animals and the natural world.
In taking his own unique approach to composing, Hirini Melbourne was drawing on Maori history and traditions, based on his learning from elders such as the Tuhoe kaumatua Tawhao Tioke and as a University academic. This knowledge was translated into his waiata, capturing the nature of animals and phenomena like rainfall and relating them to human behaviour. In this way Hirini was able to convey ideas about how people can be in balance with nature. Such a process reflected a profound spiritual journey.
Music Details:
MELBOURNE Te Rere a Tīrairaka, from Te Wao Nui a Tāne – Huia CD 001
MELBOURNE Te Kōkako – Sound Archives/ Ngā Taonga Korero
MELBOURNE Ruru – Sound Archives/ Ngā Taonga Korero
MELBOURNE Pūrerehua – Sound Archives/ Ngā Taonga Korero
MELBOURNE Hinemoana, from Te Kuraroa - Kia Ata Mai CD 001
MELBOURNE Titiwai, from Te Aitanga a Tāne - Replay Radio RR118
MELBOURNE Pūngāwerewere, from Te Aitanga a Tāne - Replay Radio RR118
MELBOURNE Kōwenewene, from Te Wao Nui a Tāne - Huia CD 001
MELBOURNE Rimu, from Te Wao Nui a Tāne - Huia CD 001
MELBOURNE Kupe, from Forest and Ocean - Viking Sevenseas VPS 496
MELBOURNE Roimata toroa, from Forest and Ocean - Viking Sevenseas VPS 496
MELBOURNE Toiapiapi, from Toiapiapi - Titi Tangiao TT 001
MELBOURNE Toiapiapi, from Toiapiapi - Titi Tangiao TT 001
MELBOURNE Rongomai, from Toiapiapi - Titi Tangiao TT 001
MELBOURNE Rongomai – Sound Archives/ Ngā Taonga Korero
MELBOURNE Ngā Tamariki o te Kohu, from Te Wao Nui a Tāne - Huia CD 001
MELBOURNE Tūī, from Te Wao Nui a Tāne - Huia CD 001
