Māori language jumps aboard new platform

The lively sound of Māori music could brighten your daily commute this May, as part of Auckland Council’s latest project.

‘Pop Waiata’, is turning public trains into a stage to celebrate Māori songs for New Zealand Music Month.

“Waiata is everywhere to me,” said Geneva Alexander-Marsters, one half of the talented duo entertaining passengers.

“As a musician it is my responsibility to share that with people.”

The 27-year-old is the frontperson for SoccerPractise, an Auckland band that incorporates both English and Maori into their lyrics.

Tawaroa Kawana, a finalist on New Zealand’s Got Talent in 2012, completes the train-bound pair, along with his charismatic guitar skills.

Their pop-up performances, on a different train each week, are surprising unsuspecting travellers, who can follow the words printed on a paper stand.

Both artists hope the project will promote te reo Māori and welcome their audience to sit back and sing along.

“Passengers rock along the tracks and are doing their best to join in,” said Ms Alexander-Marsters.

The show is interrupted with those hopping on and off, but the laid-back iwi anthems will no doubt ease ears into the native tongue.

“The phonetic aspect of waiata creates a rhythm that people can follow,” said Ms Alexander-Marsters.

But it can be a tough crowd – some arms stay crossed and headphones plugged in.

For others however, the familiar sound of Poi E and Pōkarekare Ana is a delight, and touches somewhere close to heart.

“The nostalgic connection to our songs is what elevates an unsuspecting public's participation,” said Ms Alexander-Marsters.

“I hope people have a positive lift during their time on the train.”

For the captivating singer, te reo Māori must be kept alive through performance, she added.

“It's an integral part of cultural identity.

“Waiata is a precious vehicle for preserving the oral language.”

It's the presence of Māori in music that reminds her of who she is and where she’s come from.

“I'll be damned if I don't try my hardest to preserve what we have left.

“This is much bigger than a local music scene, it is a legacy from our tīpuna.”

‘Pop Waiata’ is part of ‘Pop’, an annual series of interactive art projects in public spaces around Auckland, and runs for the duration of May.