The music of Te Vaka, written by Opetaia Foa'i is traditionally influenced - tribal, powerful and rootsy yet melodic, warm, earthy and atmospheric.

The log drums (or Pate in his native language) are an important part of the sound, capturing the infectious rhythms of the South Seas and creating a Pacific groove.

Opetaia has a very deep and passionate involvement with the Islands of the South Pacific. He writes songs that tell the story of Polynesia, from the original pioneers who traveled across the largest ocean on the planet with a simple canoe (vaka) to the current destruction of many of the smaller Pacific Islands such as Tokelau and Tuvalu due to the effects of Global warming.

The songs are mostly in the language of Tokelau, an original dialect of old Polynesia, but in the later albums there are songs in Samoan and Tuvaluan also.. This serves as a means of keeping the language alive as well as imparting, to the music, the rich colour and rhythm of the language itself.

The listener is offered something new and unique, the barriers of age and culture are broken down on a journey through Polynesia that reaches into the heart of us all.

Te Vaka proudly supports Moana Pasifika "The Spirit of the Pacific" 95.3fm by providing their music.

Maera Paki Band

Formed in late 2005, the outfit of this band has continued to stay together, play and create music with the wonderful leadership of lead singer songwriter, rhythm guitarist Maera Paki.

Maera has been writing original material for a number of years but over the time her music still remains to stay deep, true and accepted by all ages. Maera's attitude to her music is and has always been one that is not to be labeled not to be cornered into one genre, lyrics written on experience, emotions or feelings couldn't possibly sound the same? This attitude has seen Maera's music weave its way through time and into the space it currently sits which is true and raw.

Maera's music is enjoyed from many around the world, and her album that will be released in late 2008 is one people are lining up for. Maera encourages people to support original music so that it will allow their art to be more popular and recognized.

You can check out more info about the band and next gig dates at the website www.maerapaki.com 

Matt Larsen
Matt Larsen is a young teenage singer/songwriter who first picked up a guitar at age 9 and quickly began to write and perform his own songs. His ability to create catchy melodies and foot tapping rhythms combined with meaningful lyrics has delighted audiences both young and old. Matt is also an accomplished drummer and plays all the instruments on his recordings to date.

 Appearing and performing live on Perth's Access 31 TV station, 95.3fm and 89.7fm radio stations.

Matt's debut EP "Undeniable" is out now! It's on sale directly from this site via CD Online, digital download from iTunes, Blastmymusic or at all good independent record stores throughout Perth!

For more information visit http://www.myspace.com/mattblarsen.

TE URU PUTOI O TE ARAWA

Te Uru Putoi O Te Arawa was formulated through conversation of whanau members wanting to make a difference in the standard of Kapa Haka here in WA. It was also noted that other iwi had their own groups but there wasn't one specifically for Te Arawa. So it was from there that we decided to create a group.

Wairua Tipuna

I have been living in Perth for 22 years, love it heaps. Ko Hikurangi Te Maunga, Ko Waiapu Te Awa, Ko Ngatiporou Te Iwi. I attended Makarika Primary School then went on to Ngata Memorial College. I went on to Varsity in Auckland and graduated with a degree in Music.
Have been the tutor for Wairua Tipuna since we formed in 1998 in Perth. Our Roopu have just returned from performing at the 2008 Regional Kapahaka Competition in Melbourne, this was a first for us and also the first group to represent W.A. since the comps began in Australia. We came 1st for the Waiata A Tira and equal 2nd  for the Whaikorero, we are very pleased with the results. For bookings or to join our roopu contact Jo Matthews  on 0416 352 304 .

Cornerstones Christian Maori Culture Group

Cornerstones Christian Maori Culture Group is a group of kiwi's living in Kalgoorlie WA, which started back in the year 2000.

Our group mainly consists of kiwis from different tribes through out New Zealand, some being Christian and some non-Christian.

We entertain a lot in our community of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, such as performances for

Naidoc week, Spring festival, Boulder Market Days, St Barbara's Square, Reconciliation week, Multicultural week, Nursing homes, Weddings, Church events, Women's breakfast, Women's aglow and local schools.

Cornerstones also help out in the community where needed, for example helping people in need, moving house, yard clean ups and much more.

We have travelled to Perth on a number of occasions to perform at Waitangi Day Celebrations, the Polynesian Festival; we have also travelled to Esperance, Leonora and Grass Patch to help teach others our culture and songs.

We welcome anyone that wishes to come along and have a look at our group, whether it is to learn about our culture or to just to see what we do.

If you require more information regarding the group please do not hesitate to contact any of our committee members on the following numbers:

Mairia Te Are                                 Chairperson                                08 9093 2634

Henerietta Harrison                     Secretary                                  08 9022 4485

Jackie Green                                  Treasurer                                   08 9091 4907

Ruka Skedgwell                              Vice Chairman                            0437 963 915