Bringing Stories to Life with Taonga Pūoro
In November 2024, a quiet studio in the heart of Kirikiriroa (Hamilton) transformed into a hub of creativity, where storytelling and sound fused to create something truly extraordinary. The Haumanu Collective, alongside talented taonga pūoro practitioners and a visionary sound engineer, brought Hineraukatauri me te Ara Pūoro to life at Wintec Studios.
This audio project, designed to complement the book’s narrative, is more than just a recording – it’s an immersive journey into the sounds, stories, and spirit of Aotearoa.
The Studio Session
The recording unfolded at Wintec Studios, a place with a special connection to sound engineer and music producer Jamiee Cruse. A self-proclaimed “Oro Weaver” and “Conduit of Frequencies,” Jamiee honed her craft right here at Wintec, making it the perfect setting for this kaupapa.
Guided by Jamiee’s expertise, local taonga pūoro practitioners Ara Haddon, Horomona Horo, Jaimee Cruse herself, and Brendon Moses infused the recording with the soul-stirring sounds of instruments like the pūtōrino, kōauau, and nguru. These musicians didn’t just play instruments; they wove wairua and whakapapa into every note, ensuring the soundscape reflected the richness of Māori tradition.
Jamiee’s ability to transform the whakaaro (ideas) in author Elizabeth Gray’s mind into the magical soundtrack of Hineraukatauri was a key to the project’s success. As Libby shared, “Jamiee has a unique gift. She turned the sounds I dreamed of into reality, creating something beyond my imagination.”
The Voice of the Story
Narrating this tale is Elizabeth Gray, the author of Hineraukatauri me te Ara Pūoro. Known for her deep connection to the story, Libby lent her voice to the narration, infusing every word with authenticity and care.
Her narration, recorded separately, was later expertly woven with the taonga pūoro sounds by Jamiee Cruse. The result is an auditory masterpiece, transporting listeners into the mystical landscapes of Aotearoa and immersing them in the courage and spirit of Hineraukatauri’s journey.
Cultural Collaboration and Craftsmanship
This project is as much about the people involved as it is about the story itself. Each taonga pūoro practitioner brought their own unique expertise and spiritual connection to their craft, ensuring that the soundscape resonated with tikanga and the depth of our ancestors’ voices. Jamiee, as both sound engineer and contributor to the musical layers of the project, added another dimension to this collaboration, creating an extraordinary synergy of tradition and technology.
The kaupapa reflects Haumanu Collective’s commitment to amplifying Māori voices, celebrating the beauty of taonga pūoro, and creating works that connect whānau to their cultural heritage.
Why It Matters
The soundtrack for Hineraukatauri me te Ara Pūoro is more than an accompaniment – it’s a taonga in its own right. By blending the power of taonga pūoro with Libby Gray’s narration, the project offers a uniquely Māori storytelling experience that resonates with people of all ages.
For those who have the book, the QR code inside unlocks this immersive audio, allowing readers to experience the story as it was meant to be heard – accompanied by the soulful sounds of taonga pūoro.
What’s Next?
With the soundtrack completed, we’re excited to officially launch it alongside the book this Christmas. Stay tuned for more updates, including sneak peeks of the audio and behind-the-scenes footage of the recording process.
For now, take a moment to imagine the blend of story and sound – the whisper of a kōauau, the rise of Libby Gray’s voice, and the depth of meaning carried by every note of taonga pūoro.
Discover the Soundtrack
Whether you’ve read Hineraukatauri me te Ara Pūoro before or are just discovering it, this soundtrack adds an entirely new dimension to the story. Be sure to order your copy and scan the QR code and prepare to unlock the full experience.
As the taonga pūoro practitioners might say, “He oro, he wairua – Sound is spirit.”
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