Oro Rua Haumanu Collective Podcast

Taonga Pūoro podcast series

We are excited to announce the launch of our second series of podcasts, shedding light on the astounding culture and history of taonga pūoro in Aotearoa. With each episode, we will take you on a journey that infuses knowledge and joy, and together we can celebrate what makes us unique. Series 2 of Oro Rua Podcast lauched Matariki Friday 14th of July.

New! Episode 9 of series 2: James Webster interviewing Tāmihana Kātene

In this episode of Oro Rua, James engages in a rich conversation with Ringa Toi Tāmihana Kātene, delving into Tāmihana’s profound love for Te ao Māori and exploring the unique approach he brings to his taonga pūoro practice. With a heartfelt appreciation for te reo and its tīkanga, Tāmihana generously shares his personal journey, focusing on his quest to find traditional mediums for the transmission of tūpuna kōrero, including karakia and mōteatea.

Tāmihana illuminates how this exploration has significantly influenced his path, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the kaupapa of taonga pūoro is not only preserved but actively carried forward to reach our tamariki and mokopuna. He highlights the traditional practices of haka, mōteatea, and karakia as vital conduits for passing on this cultural treasure to future generations.

Join us in this insightful episode as we uncover the passion, dedication, and traditional wisdom that Tāmihana brings to the world of taonga pūoro, bridging the past and the future through the rhythmic threads of haka, the soulful notes of mōteatea, and the sacred echoes of karakia.

Episode 8 of series 2: Libby Gray interviewing James Webster

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of James Webster, a celebrated Māori artist whose journey through various artistic realms as a ringa toi is nothing short of extraordinary. From the intricate art of whakairo rākau to the profound symbolism of tā moko, and from the enchanting world of puppetry to the grandeur of large-scale sculpture, James has left his mark on the Taonga Pūoro revitalization from its very inception.

Episode 7 of series 2: James Webster interviews Salvador Brown

In this episode, Salvador Brown, a dedicated musician and skilled taonga pūoro practitioner, embarks on a journey of passion and connection, exploring how his love for taonga pūoro is intricately woven into his whakapapa in Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, specifically Haamoa. With a profound devotion to oro and the rich musical traditions that resonate throughout the Pacific, Salvador delves into the mesmerizing world of oro, vibrations, and musical traditions in the Pacific.

Episode 6 of series 2: Libby Gray interviewing Horomona Horo

In this episode, Libby engages in a captivating conversation with the well-known composer and taonga puoro practitioner, Horomona Horo, hailing from Ngāpuhi, Taranaki, and Ngāti Porou. Together, they embark on a journey into Horomona’s deep love for te ao Māori and explore how his connection, not only with Taonga Pūoro but also with te reo and its tikanga, became a form of Rongoā (healing) throughout his life.

Episode 5 of series 2: Awhina Tamarapa interviewing Shane James

In this compelling episode of our Taonga Pūoro podcast, we have the privilege of sitting down with Shane James, a multifaceted individual with roots in Muaūpoko, Ngaitahu, Ngāti Apa, Rangitāne, Te Arawa, and Ngāti Kuia. Shane generously shares his extensive experience in caring for taonga Māori over an extended period.

Episode 4 of series 2: James Webster interviewing Libby Gray

In this captivating episode of our Taonga Pūoro podcast, join us as we journey with Libby Gray, a practitioner hailing from Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Rehia, Uepōhatu, and Tamaūpoko. Libby takes us on an exploration of her Taonga Pūoro practice while fondly reminiscing about the teachings of her late Kaiako, Rangiiria Hadley. With a dedicated focus on spreading the transformative concept of Taonga Pūoro hei Rongoā, Libby passionately shares her extensive skills with our community, particularly guiding wahine through the profound journey of hapūtanga (pregnancy), offering a holistic approach to wellbeing during this special time. Dive into this episode for a glimpse into the enriching world of Taonga Pūoro and its potential to nurture the spirit and body.

Episode 3 of series 2: Horomona interviewing Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal

In this captivating episode of Oro Rua, Horomona engages in a rich conversation with esteemed researcher, composer, and mātanga reo, Dr. Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, hailing from Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tamaterā, and Ngā Puhi. Delving into the depths of te ao pūoro, Te Ahukaramū shares his journey as a classically trained musician who has embraced the indigenous musical practices of the Māori culture, including the mesmerizing realms of te reo, mōteatea, haka, and tākaro. Join us as we uncover how this profound passion has led him to a profound affection for the intricacies of the whare tapere, a world of captivating complexity waiting to be explored.

Episode 2 of series 2: Libby Gray interviewing Komako Silver

Libby Gray explores the spiritual practices of Komako Silver, Ngāti Pakahi, Ngā Puhi and her unique approach to her Taonga Pūoro practice. Influenced by a spirituality based up bringing Komako talks to her introduction to taonga pūoro through the growing of hue and connection to Atua Māori and how the spiritual belief systems of other cultures has played a huge part in her practice. E te hunga whakarongo, me are taringa mai.

Episode 1: James Webster & Libby Gray interviewing Hinewirangi Kohu-Morgan

In this episode, James Webster and Libby Gray engage in a wānanga with the late tohunga pūoro, Hinewirangi Kohu-Morgan of Ngāti Kahungungu and Tauranga Moana. We delve into her vast experience in te ao pūoro, starting with the māramatanga (understanding) taught to her by her pāpā and the elders who guided her journey into te ao pūoro. We explore the teachings passed down by her pāpā, reflecting on his kōrero of the four doors of the oro tangata (human voice) and their significance as pūoro in her practice. Hinewirangi is passionate about her understanding of Ātua Māori and the current gender imbalance that misguides our people. Her story is one of pain and trauma, and how her own healing journey has guided and motivated her to help others heal through oro. Kei te Māreikura, Kei te tōhunga pūoro hoki wairua mai.

Oro Rua Series 1 - Episode List

We are thrilled to share our profound dedication towards unveiling the intricate tales of our taonga puoro with all of you! We aim to inspire every young mind to embrace these stories and honor their own heritage. Our dream is to unite everyone through this exceptional tradition and preserve these stories for generations to come.