His songs once topped the charts and now Deane Waretini is hoping to make a comeback on national television with a new series highlighting his journey home to Rotorua.
Deane Waretini: Now is the Hour is a seven-part comedy-documentary launching on Maori Television on Friday, August 31, at 10pm.
Waretini wants to rediscover his fame of 1981, when his single The Bridge became the first te reo Maori song to top the pop charts. But fortune didn't follow and he ended up bankrupt.
Now a taxi driver in Christchurch, the 65-year-old has never surrendered his dreams of fame and stardom.
"I know I can deliver - I know I've got the goods. This will be my second chance to be a superstar."
The trip to Rotorua with his best mate, Andrei Frolov, a Russian immigrant and enthusiastic musician, is a journey into heartland New Zealand, singing old-school songs.
But hang on - the hometown comeback is being organised by one Orlando Stewart, whom fans of Wayne Anderson: Singer of Songs will remember as Wayne's clueless agent.
These days, Orlando's a "musical media entrepreneur" running a reo Maori radio station out of a dilapidated caravan in his Avondale, Auckland, backyard. What if he turns Waretini's dream into a nightmare?
Executive producer Meg Douglas says the show is worth watching, especially for those who have big plans.
"It's a big-hearted celebration of the balladeers of yesteryear, bromance and the simple joys of song. It's also a touching and inspiring story about having the guts to follow your dreams."
Episode One: August 31
We meet legendary singer and Christchurch taxi driver Deane Waretini and discover his dream to relaunch his career. Joining forces with Russian immigrant Andrei Frolov, Waretini embarks on plans for a comeback concert of gargantuan proportions.
Episode Two: September 7
Waretini's comeback quest begins and it's finally time to leave Christchurch. First stop is a warm-up gig in Cheviot - but the turnout has Waretini worried about his comeback gig promoter's ability.
Episode Three: September 14
Waretini faces the biggest day of the tour with 250km to travel and two gigs. But Auckland promoter Orlando is feeling the financial pinch and disaster may be just around the corner.
Episode Four: September 21
Waretini has a capital time in Wellington - taking his fitness routine to new heights with some boxing and some serious singing at the Salvation Army. The warm-up gigs may be getting better, but can Orlando get the finances back on track?
Episode Five: September 28
Waretini and Frolov record a new song to release on the back of the big comeback concert in Rotorua. But the finances for the gig are looking so shaky that the big concert may never happen.
Episode Six: October 5
Waretini's final warm-up gig for the troops in Waiouru is a mixed bag and, as he returns home, the enormity of the task ahead sinks in. But will the gig even happen?
Episode Seven: October 12
Waretini finally meets Orlando and the truth is revealed. His comeback gig could be a disaster. Can Waretini and his friends pull off a miracle and put on the concert of a lifetime?