Waiata Singalong To Launch At Blues Vs Waratahs Super Rugby Pacific Match
Press Release – Waiata Singalong
Waiata Singalong aims to share the joy of waiata, encouraging all New Zealanders to take part so they can feel more confident and connected to their culture, fostering a profound sense of unity and belonging.
On Saturday, 31st May 2025, Eden Park will come alive with the first-ever Waiata Singalong, a series of activations and live events designed to bring people together through the power of waiata. The first Waiata Singalong in the series, will take place just before the Blues vs Waratahs Super Rugby Pacific match kick-off. Blues fans and whānau will have the unique opportunity to come together in song, following the lyrics of the classic waiata 'Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi' and Six60's 'Pepeha' displayed on the big screen.
Project founder, Dame Hinewehi Mohi DNZM says, 'We are thrilled to host the inaugural Waiata Singalong event ahead of this match and witness this kaupapa come to life. Waiata Singalong offers an incredible opportunity for all New Zealanders to learn and sing waiata, celebrating our cultural pride and nationhood.'
'Waiata is a wonderful way to unite people, whether it's for a celebration or a commemoration. We've designed these events to be inclusive and made as simple as possible for people to participate. You don't have to know any waiata to be able to take part. And it doesn't matter if you have never sung waiata before. All you need to do is come to the event and join in the experience,' says Dame Hinewehi Mohi.
Following the successful call for New Zealanders to participate in the Stand as a Nation HAKA event, to reclaim the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for the largest haka in 2024, Dame Hinewehi realised these iconic events have the power to unite people in ways that other events cannot.
'Seeing New Zealanders from all walks of life, performing Ka Mate in unity was incredible. It made me realise how much New Zealanders want to connect with each other and how much pride we hold as a nation. I want to ensure that we continue to celebrate our cultural heritage and unite in doing so,' say Dame Hinewehi.
Waiata are more than just Māori songs, they are a powerful medium for expressing emotions, preserving history, connecting people, and learning more about the language and culture of Aotearoa. Passed down through generations most New Zealanders are familiar with some well-known waiata but have lost the practice in their everyday lives.
Waiata Singalong aims to share the joy of waiata, encouraging all New Zealanders to take part so they can feel more confident and connected to their culture, fostering a profound sense of unity and belonging.
'This initiative not only enriches our cultural knowledge and understanding of te reo Māori, but also strengthens our community bonds through the shared joy of singing together,' says Dame Hinewehi Mohi.
Fully supporting the first Waiata Singalong, a selection of Blues players, as well as Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei will join veteran broadcaster Stacey Morrison on the field just before kick-off to lead the Waiata Singalong.
'As a team that represents all people across Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Tai Tokerau, we're proud to support this kaupapa,' Blues forward Angus Ta'avao said.
'Waiata is a powerful way to bring people together, and we're stoked to support our fans and whānau in sharing this moment as a show of unity on and off the field.'
The first in a series of events and activations, Waiata Singalong provides comprehensive support and guidance with links to valuable waiata resources and easy steps so that everyone can establish their own waiata practices, all while learning te reo Māori.
How to get involved
The first Waiata Singalong event will take place on the 31st May 2025 at Eden Park ahead of the Blues vs Waratahs Super Rugby Pacific match.
By purchasing a ticket to attend the match you will be able to take part in the Waiata Singalong. Tickets for the match are available (insert link)
To access the lyrics and music ahead of time, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZfISqdykrE – 'Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi' by Wī Te Tau Huata & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_CJFEKNvX8 'Pepeha' by Six60.
About Waiata Singalong
Waiata Singalong is a suite of activations and live events, aiming to connect people through waiata, bringing meaning to their cultural context and a channel through which we can further learn te reo Māori.
Waiata Singalong provides links to valuable waiata resources and easy steps to learn waiata gaining confidence and a repertoire for inclusion at gatherings, functions and events.
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