Story: Māori musical instruments – taonga puoro

Richard Nunns and Hirini Melbourne

Richard Nunns (left) and Hirini Melbourne (right) pioneered the revival of taonga puoro. The pair gave many concerts in which they performed on a wide range of traditional instruments. Melbourne, of Ngāi Tūhoe, composed songs and instrumental music to showcase the capabilities of particular instruments. Here Nunns is playing a pūkāea (war trumpet). 

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Reference: Music in the Air: Song and Spirituality, Summer 2003, back cover.

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Courtesy of Richard Nunns and Bob Bickerton

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How to cite this page:

Brian Flintoff, 'Māori musical instruments – taonga puoro - Melodic instruments – the family of Rangi', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/music/42166/richard-nunns-and-hirini-melbourne (accessed 26 April 2024)

Story by Brian Flintoff, published 22 Oct 2014