Tiki Taane was born in Otautahi or Christchurch on 17 December 1976. His father Uekaha is of Ngati Maniapoto descent, while his mother Lyn is of English and Scottish heritage – the McDuff clan. The third child of 4, Tiki was preceded by 2 sisters – Maureen Aroha, Ninakaye and then followed by his baby brother Anaru Kune, from Ngati Kahungunu and Taranaki.

Raised most of his life in Otautahi, Tiki spent his school years at Heathcote Valley School, Shirley Boys’ College and then changed to Linwood High School in his 4th Form year. Soon losing interest in his school education, Tiki began spending time on the streets, getting up to mischief and having many close calls with the law. In the early 90’s, at a crucial time where Tiki was considering some very downward-spiralling pathways, his father Uekaha gave him a classical acoustic guitar. To this day, that guitar can be seen as the vehicle through which Tiki’s life took on a powerful new purpose.

For more information check out the muzic.net.nz Profile for Tiki Taane

Tiki Taane first debuted in the Official New Zealand Top 40 Albums on 29 October 2007 with the album Past, Present, Future. There are eight entries by Tiki Taane in the charts with two reaching Number One.

Tiki Taane feat. Julia Deans
Tiki Taane feat. Paw Justice