Toni Huata - In Memoriam

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Toni Huata (Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongowhakaata). Huata has been a backbone of music and performing arts across Aotearoa, and a champion for Māori music and te reo. A generous and revered community leader, Huata was a powerhouse in contemporary reo Māori art, sharing her music internationally as a musician and theatre practitioner, and building communities here at home. An engaged advocate and educator, she was also Kaihautu Puoro Māori (Director of Māori Music) at SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music.

She comes from a whānau of strong leaders in the performing arts, including her uncles Canon Wi Te Tau Huata, who wrote Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi, and Tama Huata, who founded the Kahurangi Māori Dance Theatre and the Takitimu Performing Arts School.

A service was held in her memory this morning at Pipitea Marae in Wellington before she returns home to Te Matau-a-Māui.

We send our deepest condolences to family, friends, and all touched by her art. Her generosity and strong vision will not be forgotten.