New Zealand

Patea Maori Club celebrates 40 years of 'Poi E'

"A very emotional but beautiful time"

One of the biggest songs of the '80s 'Poi E' by Patea Maori Club was crafted 40 years ago in 1982. Two years later, in 1984, it was officially released and it instantly became a hit soon after!

Topping the New Zealand charts for four weeks, the song has managed to reach number 1 in New Zealand every decade since it was first released.

This beautiful waiata was created in the southern Taranaki town of Patea by the Patea Maori Club.

Last weekend the group marked the anniversary by gathering together last weekend, taking time to recognize the legacy the song has had since its release.

"We are so humbled that we gather together this weekend to celebrate Poi E. It's a chance to revive all our waiata passed on from our old people to the young. A very emotional but beautiful time" Chair of Patea Maori Club Laura Marurea told RNZ.

"We are hugely proud of Poi E achieving this milestone for the Patea community and Te Reo Maori in Aotearoa. The poi can be likened to the fantail flying through a forest, just like tangata whenua finding their way through colonisation, land loss and reclamation of identity" said Ngarewa-Packer, Te Pati Maori co-leader.

The song was written and created to inspire the people, to tell their story, and bring some joy, which they did!

After 'Poi E' was released in 1984, the waiata topped charts, outselling big international artists including Michael Jackson.

"It was a blessing, it was a privilege it was really fun that we could do that", Laura Marurea said.

"They've got heaps of pride, they sing it like nobody's business and the beauty of the group comes out. I don't think they ever get sick of it, we do it all the time. That is one waiata that we don't get sick of" she added.

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