Supporting Māori music artists and industry professionals through capability building, advocacy, and meaningful collaboration.
OUR STORY //
Ka Korokī Ka Maranga | Māori Music Industry Collective's origins were borne from the merging of two aligned kaupapa, united by a shared belief: that our industry reflects the wider world, and that change happens when people organise, speak up, and back each other.
In 2003 the Māori Music Industry Coalition was formed, and a handful of advocates helped set the direction with courage and care. Founding members Hinewehi Mohi, Moana Maniapoto, Neil Cruickshank, Phil Fuemana, Hareruia Aperahama, Amiria Reriti, Brandi Hudson and Teresa McGregor, with guidance from leaders like Dr Moana Jackson, made their kaupapa clear: rangatiratanga. Not simply a seat at the table, but meaningful influence in the decisions that shape our people, our stories, and our futures.
Alongside this, a related kaupapa was taking root. In 2012, Ninakaye Taanetinorau, Wairere Iti, Ara Adams Tamatea, Bossy Hill and Ayesha Kee set up the Māori Music Managers' Development Initiative (3MDI), later joined by Cushla Ashton, Moe Waka and Sarah Owen. 3MDI's purpose was to build solid pathways for Māori music managers, existing and future, so that Māori musicians and Māori music could evolve, grow and thrive safely on their own terms.
When MMIC fell dormant, its reins were offered to 3MDI in 2021. 3MDI accepted, and MMIC was reactivated, carrying forward the foundation laid by both kaupapa. In 2025, the name evolved again. Gifted through wānanga with Chaz Doherty (Ngāi Tūhoe), Ka Korokī Ka Maranga | Māori Music Industry Collective carries forward what the Māori Music Industry Coalition and 3MDI began - a reflection of momentum, renewal, and a future-facing identity.
The foundations still hold. 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 grounded in community and focused on impact. It carries forward the work done in the background, in living rooms and boardrooms, with the same intention: 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
