Māori concert, opening of 2YA transmitter. 1937-01-25

Rights Information
Year
1937
Reference
33001
Media type
Audio
Ask about this item

Ask to use material, get more information or tell us about an item

Rights Information
Year
1937
Reference
33001
Media type
Audio
Series
D series, ca. 1935-1950s.
Duration
00:27:56
Credits
RNZ Collection
Metekingi, Herewini, Performer
2YA (Radio station : Wellington, N.Z.), Broadcaster
Hill, Alfred (b.1869, d.1960), Composer

In this recording, a group of Whanganui Māori performers perform haka and waiata at the opening of the 2YA radio transmitter in Tītahi Bay, Wellington.

[This was the launch of 2YA as a 'national' station, with the new transmitter powerful enough to be heard around the country, as well as in Australia. See ID32997-9 for other recordings made at this event, including a speech by Prime Minister Michael Joseph Savage.

It is an 'off-air' recording of the broadcast as it was received by a radio receiver. There is some static and atmospheric disturbance.]

The group is identified as a Whanganui party directed by Mr Herewini Metekingi, who introduces each of the items:
Haka
E pari rā
Hoea rā te waka nei - female soloist Ruma Takarangi
Haka - Mangu taepo
Hoki, hoki tonu mai
Pōkarekare ana - male soloist Hunia Haimona
Hine e hine - female soloist Merenia Te Patu
Haka - Mangu taepo
Te ope tuatahi
Tītahi Bay, Pōneke - "a song written especially to celebrate the opening of the great national station" [The lyrics include greetings to Wellington and Tītahi Bay from the Whanganui iwi]
Tiki tiki - a novelty haka [featuring a child performer]
Home, Little Māori Home [Alfred Hill] - male soloist Hunia Haimona [recording ends abruptly]