Tuini Ngāwai (left) and her niece Ngoingoi Pēwhairangi. Photo: Supplied
The late Te Kumeroa "Ngoingoi" Pēwhairangi QSM and her aunt Tuini Moetū Haangū Ngāwai are the latest inductees into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.
The accomplished songwriters will be honoured and remembered in front of their family and friends at the 2022 APRA Silver Scroll Awards.
Born in 1920 in Tokomaru Bay, Tuini Ngāwai (Te Whānau-a-Ruataupare) composed over 200 waiata and action songs throughout her life, while also being a leader in revitalising Māori culture and identity.
Her songwriting touched on themes of love, death and war, as well as more informal sing-a-longs, with waiata like Kei tangi a Big Ben still performed today.
Ngāwai also founded the performing group Te Hokowhitu-a-Tū, which helped Sir Apirana Ngata and his recruiting efforts for the 28th New Zealand (Māori) Battalion.
During the war, she wrote many of her finest songs, including Arohaina mai e te Kingi Nui, which became the unofficial hymn for the Ngāti Porou C Company soldiers.
Her niece Te Kumeroa Ngoingoi Pēwhairangi (Te Whānau-a-Ruataupare, Ngāti Porou), known affectionately as Ngoi, carried on Ngāwai legacy as a leader, educator and songwriter.
Pēwhairangi was best known for working with high-profile Māori artists Prince Tui Teka and Dalvanius Prime, but also composed many beloved waiata on her own, including Kia Kaha Ngā Iwi, Ka Noho Au, and Whakarongo.
Ngoingoi Pēwhairangi and Dalvanius Prime. Photo: poiemovie.co.nz
But the most well-known waiata in her repertoire would be Poi E, written by Pēwhairangi and produced by Dalvanius Prime for Pātea Māori Club.
The chart-topping tune, known as New Zealand's unofficial anthem, this year celebrated 40 years since its conception.
Pēwhairangi's influence went beyond songwriting, as she collaborated and motivated others to write in te reo Māori.