Toni Huata (Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongowhakaata) is an artist in every sense of the word. Her talents range from acting, singing, composing and directing to championing the work of others through her work as Kaihautū Puoro Māori/Director Māori Music at SOUNZ.
As a little girl from a musical whanau, Huata was destined for a career in the arts. Her Grandfather Te Okanga Huata who she called Dad was a brilliant composer and ukelele player, a founding member of the Kohanga Reo movement, a member of the department of Maori Affairs and a major in the 28th Maori Battalion. Her Grandmother a soprano who sang regularly at church.
Toni Huata first ventured into the arts through hairdressing at a salon called Buoy in Wellington. Where she listened to acid jazz, explored a passion for fashion and would end up joining Te Rakau Theatre Company, touring the country acting and facilitating workshops. Which lead her to perform for many theatrical productions across the world including voice work for Peter Jackson’s King Kong.
Maggie Tweedie spoke to Toni Huata about her many musical influences. The Huata whanau's musical legacy and how her Uncle Canon Wi Te Tau Huata came to write one of Aotearoa's most famous anthems internationally, the waiata, Tutira Mai Nga Iwi.
Toni Huata, photo by Stephen A’Court Photo: Stephen A'Court
Toni's Mixtape song choices
Jhelisa— Friendly pressure
Commodores— Easy
Martine Girault— Revival
Kiri Te Kanawa— O mio babbino caro
Toni Huata feat. Karl Teariki, Te Taite Cooper—Te Hokinga Mai (The Return)
Find out more at SOUNZ
