Supporting Māori music artists and industry professionals through capability building, advocacy, and meaningful collaboration.
OUR STORY //
Ka Korokī Ka Maranga | Māori Music Industry Collective began with the same spark that first brought the Māori Music Industry Coalition together – a belief that our industry reflects the wider world, and that change happens when people organise, speak up, and back each other.
In the early days, a handful of advocates helped set the direction with courage and care, including Neil Crickshank, Teresa McGregor, Phil Fuemana, Ruia Aperehama, Brandi Hudson, and others. With guidance from leaders like Dr Moana Jackson, the kaupapa was clear: rangatiratanga. Not simply a seat at the table, but meaningful influence in the decisions that shape our people, our stories, and our futures.
That foundation still holds. Māori creativity has always been central to the sound of Aotearoa, yet systemic barriers continue to affect access to resources, representation, and power. Ka Korokī Ka Maranga exists to shift those settings, bringing together Māori artists, managers, producers, and industry practitioners in a collective voice that is grounded in community and focused on impact.
In 2025, our name evolved from the Māori Music Industry Coalition to Ka Korokī Ka Maranga | Māori Music Industry Collective – a reflection of momentum, renewal, and a future-facing identity. It acknowledges the work done in the background, in living rooms and boardrooms, and it carries the same intention forward: to uplift Māori music, strengthen pathways for our people, and ensure Māori leadership is present wherever decisions are made.
There was a time when Māori were practically invisible in the music industry and our language was largely absent from commercial radio. Some of us started challenging that, speaking out at events and in interviews.
Why wouldn’t we?
OUR HISTORY //
The music industry was a microcosm of society. Outside our industry, our mates were shaking the tree in the justice system, education, health, media, politics, etc.
The Māori Music Industry Coalition evolved out of that activism, driven by people like Neil Cruickshank, Teresa McGregor, Phil Fuemana, Ruia Aperehama, Brandi Hudson, and others. I remember pulling Dr Moana Jackson in to help us shape our vision. We determined that our mission was based on rangatiratanga – moving beyond being mere participants in the industry to key decision-makers. It was not about providing advice but about meaningful engagement and influence, and understanding there is no such thing as equality when inequities are built into the system.
These days when we turn up to awards, te reo is flying freely in the room. It’s easy to take that for granted because it’s been normalised. But the momentum began with a handful of people plotting and planning well away from the spotlight, taking a cue from the game-changers who came before us. Joining the dots in the background, bars and boardrooms. May it continue.
- Moana Maniapoto | Co-founder, Former Chair MMIC
The OG’s (L-R) Amira Reriti, Phillip Fuemana, Moana Maniapoto, Teresa McGregor, Neil Cruickshank
Missing from photo - Hareruia Aperahama and Brandi Hudson
It’s easy to take it for granted when it’s been normalised – but momentum begins well away from the spotlight.
- Moana Maniapoto | Co-founder, Former Chair MMIC
OUR PURPOSE //
We exist to:
Champion equity and opportunity for Māori in all parts of the music industry
Strengthen the presence of Te Ao Māori in music
Create culturally safe spaces for Māori to develop and thrive
Advocate for Māori interests at governance, policy, and funding levels
Support the next generation of Māori artists and industry leaders
OUR VALUES //
Whanaungatanga
We nurture relationships and collective strength.
Kaitiakitanga
We protect our culture, reo, and waiata for future generations.
Manaakitanga
We uplift our communities with care and respect.
Kotahitanga
We move forward together, united in voice and vision.
OUR VISION //
We see a future where:
Waiata Māori thrives across Aotearoa and the world;
Māori artists are celebrated as leaders, innovators, and storytellers;
Te reo Māori is normalised in all areas of the music industry;
Funding, governance, and decision-making structures uphold tika, pono, and inclusive practices;
Our rangatahi are empowered to create, perform, and manage music that reflects their identity and aspirations.
Ka Korokī Ka Maranga trustees are drawn from across the hapori puoro, and are passionate about the future of Māori storytelling through waiata and sound. They are supported by our kairangaranga, who leads the day to day operations of the organisation and its kaupapa. //
Our Kairangaranga:
Sarah Owen Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Porou
Our Trustees:
Ninakaye Taane-Tinorau Ngāti Maniapoto
Jeff Newton Tainui Awhiro
Joel Tashkoff Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahungunu
Maumahara Horsfall
Ngatapa Black Ngai Tūhoe, Te Whānau a Apanui, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Noel Atiawa Woods Te Atiawa, Ngāti Porou, Ngaruahine
Stormie Kereopa-Lloyd Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Koata
OUR STRATEGY //
Our mahi is guided by a strategy that sets out priorities for the next five years. These include:
Relationship Building: establishing a presence within the Māori music community, essential to laying a foundation for engaging in meaningful discussions that will facilitate change
Research & Advocacy: influencing funding bodies, industry organisations, and government agencies to ensure Māori voices are heard
Capacity building: creating culturally grounded, accessible, and sustainable development pathways that genuinely support our people to thrive.
Visibility: amplifying Māori stories through media, awards, and global platforms
Collaboration: building strong networks between Māori and wider industry partners
