In June 2024, two dedicated practitioners of taonga pūoro, Tamihana Katene and James Webster, represented Aotearoa at the prestigious International Indigenous Music Summit held in Toronto. As ambassadors of Māori culture, they carried with them the sounds, stories, and spirit of taonga pūoro, sharing these with Indigenous artists and audiences from around the world. Their journey was not just a celebration of Māori music but also a strategic step toward achieving Haumanu Collective’s vision and mission to “vitalise, grow and enable taonga pūoro to reverberate across generations.”
Amplifying Māori Voices Through Taonga Pūoro
Held from June 10–14, the International Indigenous Music Summit provided a platform for Indigenous artists from diverse cultures to connect, exchange, and inspire one another. Tamihana and James’s presence at this global gathering resonated deeply with Haumanu Collective’s values of unity, sustainability, and cultural excellence. As kaitiaki (guardians) and kaikawe (conveyors) of Māori musical heritage, they showcased the richness of taonga pūoro, from the haunting notes of the pūtōrino to the soulful breath of the kōauau. This international spotlight aligned seamlessly with Haumanu’s goal of making taonga pūoro accessible and celebrated worldwide.
Building Connections and Fostering Whanaungatanga
Representing Māori culture at this event not only introduced taonga pūoro to new ears but also allowed Tamihana and James to build connections with fellow Indigenous artists. Through shared performances, wānanga, and conversations, they explored avenues for cultural exchange, mutual learning, and collaboration. This sense of *whanaungatanga*—the kinship and interconnectedness among Indigenous cultures—is a critical element of Haumanu’s strategic focus on growth and advocacy. Their engagement at the summit fostered relationships that will help strengthen the cultural presence of taonga pūoro globally, encouraging ongoing collaborations and elevating Māori voices on the international stage.
Advancing Haumanu’s Strategic Vision
The participation of Tamihana and James in Toronto directly supports Haumanu Collective’s commitment to *Te Oro me Te Rongo* (Sound & Growth). By bringing taonga pūoro to international audiences, they actively worked toward Haumanu’s mission of sustainability and intergenerational transmission of Māori music. Their journey underlined the Collective’s dedication to fostering vibrant spaces for cultural expression and sharing mātauranga (knowledge) in ways that transcend traditional boundaries.
This international representation of Māori music and taonga pūoro marks a milestone in Haumanu Collective’s ongoing efforts to advocate for Indigenous music, preserve cultural heritage, and inspire future generations. As Tamihana and James return home, they carry back not only new perspectives and relationships but also a renewed sense of purpose in their mission to elevate taonga pūoro, ensuring it continues to resonate across generations and borders.
Together, we celebrate this significant step for Haumanu Collective, a step toward a future where the sounds of taonga pūoro are heard, felt, and cherished globally.
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