24 February 2023 - 0 Comments

Singer and songwriters Arahi and Te Kaahu (AKA Theia) have recorded a moving version of Prince Tui Teka’s #1 hit song E Ipo with proceeds from downloads going to Hawkes Bay iwi - Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Porou - impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.

E Ipo can be downloaded on Bandcamp. Visit Arahi or Te Kaahu to purchase.

Arahi: “Across Te Tai Rawhiti a tale is often told of Tamatea Pōkaiwhenua playing his flute for his loved one from the hills of Porangahau. In the same vein this song is sung for my people and for the land - to which I owe both so much.”

Arahi is a Hawkes Bay local and has witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by the cyclone:

“The stories of our tūpuna live again, staining the land with a new reality. There’s an immense struggle to convey the scale of devastation and the gravity of the recent natural disasters across my homeland to the rest of the country - a struggle that I’d rather not attempt to overcome but instead to tell you of a new tale of heroes, helpers and hard workers.”

Theia adds: “E kore e mutu ngooku mihi aroha ki a koutou kua paangia e te ringa kaha o aituaa. Ki a koutou e ngaa moorehu, kia manawanui. Ki a raatou kua riro ki te poo, moe mai raa. Okioki ai. I express never ending sadness and compassion to everyone affected in this disaster. To the survivors, I send steadfastness. To those who have been taken from us, may they find rest.”

Arahi and Te Kaahu first performed E Ipo together when they toured Hawkes Bay late last year on the Small Halls Tour. They hope their version of the much-loved 1982 waiata, which Prince Tui Teka released as a tribute to his wife Missy, will serve as some comfort to those directly impacted in Hawkes Bay. And for those outside the region wanting to help, it allows them to give a koha, no matter how great or small.

Arahi: “Ka ora anō ngā pūrākau o neherā, kua tohua te whenua, me he ao hōu. Ko Papatūānuku tēnā e tangi ai, kihai tana reo i rangona. Ko Arahi Whaanga tōku ingoa. Mai i te whanga a Ruawharo whakawhiti atu ki te maunga tū tonu a Hikurangi, nei te mokopuna o te Rawhiti e mihi whakaiti ana.”

A massive thanks to the award-winning producer and engineer Jol Mulholland who generously mixed and mastered the track.

Arahi and Te Kaahu will donate proceeds made from Bandcamp downloads of E Ipo to relief funds set up for Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi and Ngāti Porou Iwi.

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