Poet Hone Tuwhare’s work set to music

• Published date: 29 September 2022
• Publication title: Guardian, The

With 10 original works recorded, the Rodger Fox Big Band is preparing to tour five New Zealand centres to launch the pieces. The band will perform in Palmerston North on October 9

Fox has long been an admirer of Tuwhare’s writing and says the form and shape of his poetry lent itself seamlessly to the musical tributes.

“Hone Tuwhare is the people’s poet. He was cherished by New Zealanders from all walks of life,” Fox says. “Touring tirelessly, he shared his talent and inspired audiences in every corner of the country, from primary and secondary schools to universities from factories to art galleries and prisons.

“As New Zealand’s second Te Mata Poet Laureate, he made an outstanding contribution to the nation’s literacy and cultural history. I saw it as important to pay homage to him as our most distinguished Māori writer.”

The distilling of words and music...