Dame Hinewehi Mohi's induction into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame honours her remarkable career — and the enduring influences of her recently passed Nan and her daughter Hineraukatauri.
In a heartfelt interview with Seven Sharp's Te Rauhiringa Brown, Dame Hinewehi shared how these pivotal figures — along with her passion for te reo Māori and the mentorship of key individuals — have shaped her extraordinary journey.
From a young age, Hinewehi was immersed in music, thanks to her father, who learned te reo Māori in his 30s after his parents were punished for speaking it.
Determined to reclaim his heritage, he used correspondence school and LP records, filling their Central Hawke's Bay farm with the sounds of te reo. This early exposure laid the foundation for Hinewehi's lifelong passion for waiata.
Her Nan, although unable to sing, nurtured her spirit and passion for te reo Māori. She cherished the musicality in their heritage, often enjoying songs by Perry Como and Bing Crosby.
Meanwhile, young Hinewehi's grandfather was a great singer and instilled in her an appreciation for the emotional power of music and the beauty of te reo Māori.
Throughout her journey, Hinewehi was mentored by influential figures who enriched her understanding of music and culture.
The late Dr Hirini Melbourne and Rangiiria Hedley helped her create soundscapes using traditional Māori instruments, tāonga pūoro.
Sir Tīmoti Kāretu taught her about waiata kouroua, mōteatea, and Māori poetry in musical form.
All of this mentorship was invaluable in developing her deep appreciation for the musicality of te ao Māori and its role in cultural expression.
Hinewehi's career — marked by achievements such as recording a double platinum album as a solo mother and founding the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre — has always been influenced by her Nan's enduring support.
Her Nan's nurturing strength guided Hinewehi through personal and professional challenges — including her battle with breast cancer. This wisdom inspired Hinewehi’s approach to music therapy, now helping around 1000 people weekly across four centres in the North Island.
Her daughter, Hineraukatauri, also significantly inspired her.
As a solo mother to a child with high needs, Hinewehi found solace and strength in music. Hineraukatauri’s resilience inspired Hinewehi to create deeply resonant music and establish a charity offering similar solace to others.
Dame Hinewehi's dedication to te reo Māori and her cultural heritage led her to steer the Waiata Anthems project for the past five years.
The initiative promotes songs in te reo Māori, revitalising the language through music and uniting artists and audiences in appreciating their cultural roots.
A pivotal moment in Hinewehi's career was singing the New Zealand national anthem in te reo Māori at the Rugby World Cup in the UK.
Facing intense backlash, she felt isolated and far from home.
Yet, her Nan's reassurance that everything would be alright kept her grounded.
Despite the controversy, this moment propelled her to fervently share their language and culture with the world.
Nan passed away about 15 months ago, leaving a significant void in Dame Hinewehi's life. However, her memory continues to surround Hinewehi with aroha, guiding her decisions and actions.
Her Nan's strength and wisdom were foundational, shaping Hinewehi's values and approach to life.
Reflecting on her induction into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame, Dame Hinewehi said she feels her Nan's presence more than ever.
She believes her Nan would be thrilled and proud, understanding music's special place in their lives and culture. The induction into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame is not just for Hinewehi but also a testament to her Nan's enduring influence and love.
In celebrating Dame Hinewehi Mohi’s remarkable achievements, we also honour the legacy of her Nan and the inspiration from her daughter, Hineraukatauri.
Together, they have shaped her journey, driving her passion for music, te reo Māori, and her commitment to making a difference through the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre and the Waiata Anthems project.
SHARE ME