Māori Song Competition.

In 1969, the NZ Broadcasting Corporation sponsored an Original Māori Compositions Competition for action song, poi, choral and ancient chant.

In his letter to radio station managers (30.05.69), Māori Programme Organiser Wiremu Kerekere writes, " . . .it has been customary to use "popular hit songs" for Māori items and this has brought forth adverse comments on Māori music and cultural entertainment. Radio and television programmes of Māori music are among the most sought after by other broadcasting organisations and NZBC does not meet the demand by supplying material taken from well known european songs.

The aim of the competition is to help people overcome this.

He continues by writing, " . . . to the Māori, the important thing in Māori items are the words and lyrics, but to those not familiar with the language, it is the tune which is noticed.

This recording contains action songs submitted in the competition.

The following items are performed : Ka kimi, Kau ake

- Tihei Mauri ora
- I nga ra o mua
- He waiata mo Rata
- Tatou Mahara
- Kia tau te Rangimarie
- E moe
- Kokiri
- E rau nga tau
- Piki mai, kake mai