Tiki Taane's new song released

Tiki Taane released his new sound track at the Mount Mauganui Surf Club on Sunday. Photo/George Novak

Papamoa-based artist and producer Tiki Taane has today released his new song capturing the essence of the Bay of Plenty.

In the wake of the anti-TPPA protest yesterday and the advent of Waitangi Day, Taane's new song celebrates hometown New Zealand.

The song was officially launched in front of a small but select group at the Mount Maunganui Surf Lifesaving Club on Sunday.

Penned in appreciation of the country that means the most to him, 'No Place Like Home' is available from today. In acknowledgement of local community, it includes input from famous friends to the local Tahatai Coast School choir, and all proceeds will be donated to Tauranga charity Good Neighbour.

"When I think of home I think of whanau, friends and Aotearoa. I think of the people and places that mean the most to me.

"For me, home is where my bones are from, so being of Ngati Maniapoto descent, I recognise Waitomo Caves as my ancestral home, however I also feel at home in my birth town of Christchurch.

"I'm lucky to have lived in Palmerston North, Wellington, Woodhill and Auckland, so these places provide me with a sense of home as well."

Taane said he had been living in Papamoa for the last six years and learning about the rich history of the area and its people.

"I'm grateful to have made strong connections here and am proud to be able to call the Bay of Plenty, Te Moana O Toi, my home.

"Creating this new song has been a good challenge, because while the intention is to pay homage to the people and land of Bay of Plenty, it also intends to connect with all who call Aotearoa home."

Taane said the signing of the TPPA was a critical issue that affected everyone and while it was not a done deal, it could one day have the potential to affect the wellbeing of this beautiful, unique country forever.

"I hope this song can be a reminder to us all, including John Key, to appreciate our home, land, sea, and people because that's where the true spirit and power of this country lies."

The song was also a community effort, with Taane bringing in a diverse range of friends including Ria Hall, Michael Barker and Grant Haua from Swamp Thing, Ara Adams Tamatea, Pouroto Ngaropo, Justus and The Animato String Quartet, Tahatai Coast School and Jo'el Komene to feature on the project.

"It's been an incredible journey working with all the musicians and performers who feature in the song, and to have the support from local iwi and Bay of Plenty locals has been monumental for this project's existence."

'No Place Like Home' is available for purchase from www.tikidub.com and streaming across all digital platforms now.

Good Neighbour works to transform communities through neighbourhood projects, food rescue and community gardens. Further information and donations can be made at www.goodneighbour.co.nz.