Moana ManiapotoBy Kiara Hayward

ChildhoodMoana Maree Maniapoto was born 22nd June

1961 in Invercargill.She went to St Josephs Maori Girls College in

Napier.She came from a long line of singers She grew up listening to her Father, Uncles

and others from their generation doing Haka and singing Waiata.

FamilyMoana lives at Muriwai beach with her

partner Toby Mills.Moana has two kids a son Kimiora and a

daughter Manawanui.

AccomplishmentsIn 2003 She won a grand prize at the

international song writing competition with her song Moko.

In 2004 Queens birthday honours list Moana was appointed member of the New Zealand order of merit.

In 2007 she received an arts foundation award.

In 2008 she received a music industry award at the maori waiata awards.

Other things to considerMoanas first band was Moana and the moa

hunters. In 2002 she reformed the band to Moana and the tribe.

The reason she made the moa hunters was because she wanted a bi-lingual approach to her music in a more entertaining way. While their music was considered hip hop they were also known for their Haka. They mostly rap in English because young maori people don't speak maori.

They rap about their need of studying their history and culture

The group tries to focus on three main things, respecting women, maori pride and respecting all of humanity

Her hit song Black Pearl was said to be an anthem to Maori women. It also reached number 2 in the national charts in 1991.

She loves what she does and who she does it with and she loves to connect with her audience. She is inspired by her friends around her as well as her children.

Moana is a qualified Lawyer but said if she could choose a different career she would like to be a journalist or documentary maker

SongsA few of her songs are: Calling you, Seashell,

Bird in a tree, Rebel in me, Hands up, Moko, I’ll be the one, Not alone, And many more

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