He Kohinga Kōrero: A selected group of Māori Showband musicians’ experiences of the 1960s and the creation of the unique Māori Showband identity

Louise Mahinarangi, Kewene-Doig (Tainui/ Ngāti Maniapoto), University of Otago

My research focus is Māori music experiences of the 1960s through the Māori Showband phenomenon. Using Kaupapa Māori and whakapapa research methods, my thesis will explore the importance of the Māori Showbands from band members’ perspective. I am creating unique ways of retelling cultural and social experiences and the development of Tutuku, a digital archive. 

My thesis uses kaupapa Māori methodologies to uncover new research and stories related to the Māori of the 1960s. This new understanding and discovery of untold histories give a better understanding of Māori today. The intersection of digital engagement and knowledge is through my Tutuku app, which is innovative. The Māori lens, which the research is created by, is vital. It is vital because Tutuku and He Kohinga Kōrero (my thesis) could have only been created by Māori-led research.