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Long-time broadcaster Airini Grennell (Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāi Tahu) was born on Wharekauri and moved to the South Island as a child.
This interview with Airini was recorded as part of the "Te Māori" broadcasts from the Robert McDougall Art Gallery in Christchurch, during the opening week of "Te Māori" exhibition in March 1987.
- Kaikōrero: Airini Grennell reminisces with Hēnare te Ua about her life and career. She gives some details about singing with the world tour with Reverend Seamer and the Waiata Māori Choir. She recalls Inia Te Wiata was in the choir - a ' most thrilling voice."
She recalls in London they were given korowai from British collections to wear when they visited Buckingham Palace. They made several radio broadcasts with the BBC and performed twice at the new television studios at Alexandra Palace.
- Waiata: Aue e te iwi by The Tahiwis. (A song the Waiata Choir also sang.)
She says Colin Scrimgeour ("Uncle Scrim") visited the choir when they were in Australia and talked about his plans for commercial broadcasting, and she told him of her interest in broadcasting.
On her return to New Zealand she was offered a position at 4ZB in 1938. She recalls fundraising for the war effort by the station. She toured the country with a group singing and playing the piano at fund-raising concerts.