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Series Classification: G (General Audiences) | Watch the series here
Rachel Hall (Ngāpuhi) arrives at the barber shop to catch up with her whanaunga (relative), Chop. She’s an artist who has toured Aotearoa as a backing vocalist with Troy Kingi. In her first performance, Rachel tells the story of Matiretoha.
“Matiretoha was a woman of substance from Ngāti Rēhia. She was a woman of great strength and courage. This song tells her story, and she was the guarantee of enduring peace.”
As a descendant of the Ngāti Torehina sub-tribe, Rachel is closely linked to Matiretoha.
“Matiretoha, you are the burning fire of the North. You planted the seed; it has now blossomed. Here are your mokopuna, paying tribute to you. Tears of joy flow. Matire, you are the example of love and sacrifice.”
Rachel on the barber’s bench
Photo: Tai Huri Films / Claire Gordon
Rachel grew up with her nan, who was her favourite singer. In 2022, Rachel completed her studies as a kaiako at Te Wānanga Takiura in Tāmaki Makaurau. But it is singing that makes her truly happy.
“When I sing, I feel free. Yes, that’s it. Whenever I sing, I feel like I’ve been cleared.”
At Kerikeri High School, Rachel was a lead singer in the school’s Rock Quest band, where she composed and performed her original waiata, “In the Dark,” a lament about love and loss. Rachel’s wish was to perform the song in te reo Māori, and she called on her cousin to help translate it, resulting in a beautiful new waiata tangi titled “I te Pō.”
“This song relates to anyone that is experiencing grief.”
Standing alongside two young musicians and close friends, Rawiri and Darrah, Rachel gives a heartfelt performance that shows she has all the talent needed to step forward and take the spotlight.
Rachel sings a waiata by Troy and Huia Kingi
Photo: Tai Huri Films / Ryan Alexander-Lloyd
Rachel Hall
Photo: Tai Huri Films / Claire Gordon
Te Māngai Pāho
Photo: Te Māngai Pāho
TAHI
Photo: TAHI
