Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Kōrakorako refers to a pale-skinned person, or otherworldly, supernatural being. This waiata was written for Ariana's young son as well as for her husband. While the term kōrakorako doesn't easily translate into English, it is used as a term of endearment. The term and this work explore identity and challenge people’s perceptions of who or what is Māori. Translated the poem reads, "My dear one, my handsome man. Who am I? Who are you?"
Music and poem by Ariana Tikao and Leyton Glenn. Performed by the Jubilate Singers, conductor Philip Norman, at The Piano, 24 August 2025.
Audio recorded by Alex van den Broek. Filmed and edited by Chris Watson for SOUNZ. Film funded by NZ On Air.
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Learn more about the composers and performers of music from Aotearoa New Zealand on our website (sounz.org.nz), or by following us on Facebook (@SOUNZnz), Instagram (@sounz_nz), or TikTok (@sounz_nz).
#nzmusic
Kōrakorako refers to a pale-skinned person, or otherworldly, supernatural being. This waiata was written for Ariana's young son as well as for her husband. While the term kōrakorako doesn't easily translate into English, it is used as a term of endearment. The term and this work explore identity and challenge people’s perceptions of who or what is Māori. Translated the poem reads, "My dear one, my handsome man. Who am I? Who are you?"
Music and poem by Ariana Tikao and Leyton Glenn. Performed by the Jubilate Singers, conductor Philip Norman, at The Piano, 24 August 2025.
Audio recorded by Alex van den Broek. Filmed and edited by Chris Watson for SOUNZ. Film funded by NZ On Air.
--
Learn more about the composers and performers of music from Aotearoa New Zealand on our website (sounz.org.nz), or by following us on Facebook (@SOUNZnz), Instagram (@sounz_nz), or TikTok (@sounz_nz).
#nzmusic
