The Poi E song continues to thrive, 30 years after it topped the music charts, Patea Maori Club member Waimarie Cassidy says.
Patea Maori Club member Waimarie Cassidy. Photo: RNZ / Leigh McLachlan
The Maori language waiata mixed with funky music topped the charts in 1984 and stayed there for a month.
Ms Cassidy says she still remembers preparing for a performance in Te Awamutu when the club found out it had hit the top spot.
She says the song lives on today at national and international events; it plays at the Rugby World Cup and features in netball and rugby league tournaments.
The Patea Maori Club is still travelling with the song, and has more overseas trips on the horizon.