This series of recordings was made at the hui to opening the rebuilt meeting house Tamatekapua, at Ohinemutu, Rotorua in 1943.
As well as the opening ceremonies, Sir Apirana Ngata (who was Master of Ceremonies for the event) specifically asked the National Broadcasting Service to record traditional waiata, haka and other items from iwi who were present, including Te Arawa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Te Whānau-a Apanui and Ngāti Porou.
He later recorded his own commentaries about some of the traditional items, and these were edited into the Ohinemutu recordings.
This recording begins with a series of waiata by the Ngāti Porou party who were at the Ohinemutu hui.
First an introduction by Sir Apirana Ngata to the first waiata, which is about Pīkeri of Waikato. He explains that the two Ngati Porou women singers Hokianga Awatere and Tangipo Mahuika were very nervous about singing in front of a microphone. He sings also.
Waiata: "Tū mokemoke ai Pīkeri i ngā rori ēi..."
Wiremu Raerena introduces an oriori.
Oriori: "Kia tapu hoki koe na Tuariki e!..." - lullaby by Hinekitawhiti for her grandchild Ahuahukiterangi.
Announcement by Wiremu Raerena
Waiata tangi: "He rangi au tatari, he raro au e manako..." - lament by Rangiuia for his son Tuterangiwhaitiri.
The next three items are performances by Te Whānau-a-Apanui party at the Ohinemutu hui.
Sir Apirana Ngata comments on each item, followed by an introduction by the lead singer..
The first item is introduced by lead singer Rāpata Kīngi of Te Kaha.
Oriori: "Pinepine te kura..." - lullaby adapted by Te Kooti Rikirangi after his escape from the Chatham Islands.
Commentary and then introduction by lead singer Te Aroha Topi of Maraenui.
Waiata tangi: E hika koha kore, maranga mai ki runga..." - lament for school children lost while crossing the Motu river in 1900
Commentary and then introduction by lead singer Wharemoana of Maraenui.
Oriori: "Pō pō! E tangi ana tama ki te kai māna..." - composed by Enoka Te Pakaru of Te Aitanga-a-Mhaki.
Commentary by Sir Apirana on a waiata by a Ngāi Tai group from Torero near Opotiki, lead by Eru Rihimona.
Waiata: "E hika mā, ehara koutou i atua hanga..."