Te Māngai Pāho and NZ On Air Music have announced the recipients of the December 2022 co-funded music round Waiata Takitahi, which looks to support waiata with great broadcast and online audience potential that incorporate a minimum of 25% Te Reo Māori in the song lyrics.

Since beginning the fund in 2020 there has been a huge increase in the creation of music which embraces the language. The ambition for Waiata Takitahi is to incorporate Te Reo Māori into new waiata, with the aim for more of the language to cross over to contemporary audiences via impacting local broadcast and online music spaces.

The funding also includes support for a mātanga reo (language consultant) for artists who may need assistance to release bilingual music with confidence and clarity. 

Funded Waiata December 2022:

• Chad Chambers: Kei Pōhēhē
• Corrella: Ko Au
• Geneva Alexander-Marsters: lho
• IA: Me
• Jol: Whakatata Mai Rā Ki Tō Whānau
• Jordyn With A Why: Hey Love
• Majic: Tāmaki Herenga Waka
• Mohi: Me Pēhea Rā
• Nikau Grace: Tōku Tuakiri
• Stan Walker: Te Toi O Te Kirihimete
• Swizl Jager: Hīnaki
• Te Kuru: Don’t Rush
• Tini Whetū: Mai Rā
• Yahyah: I Like You