Whanganui musicians Auaha have released their highly anticipated album Te Pari o Auahatanga, The Flood of Inspiration.
A collaboration recorded over eight days on and beside the Whanganui River, the album concept was hatched two years ago during a taonga puoro wānanga (traditional Māori instrument workshop) in Whanganui.
As students and teachers learned to make and play instruments inside Rangahaua Marae, outside the Whanganui River was flooding, the worst flood in 100 years and as the devastating impact of this event was revealed the album concept was born.
The project included recording taonga puoro on the Whanganui River and using the stunning environment and stories to inspire new compositions.
The resulting album is made up of 12 original and eclectic tracks that draw on a range of influences including fusions of te reo chant, rock, blues, soul and funk.