Self-taught musician 'elevating' Wairoa

CALL TO SING: Wairoa musican and butcher Kiri Gilbert is behind a song for Wairoa and wants people to turn up on Saturday and be part of a video for the song showing what Wairoa has to offer. Picture supplied

SELF-taught musician and community advocate Kiri Gilbert of Wairoa is one of the Tairawhiti Men of the Year.

The Tairawhiti Rural Education Activities Programme (REAP) put forth his nomination, describing him as “a very talented, caring and adored young man”.

Born and raised in Wairoa, Mr Gilbert attended Wairoa College and has done a lot of work to elevate Wairoa’s profile.

He led the establishment of Wairoa Planeteers and is an exemplary Maori role model to Wairoa’s young people, especially his nephews and nieces.

His love of music and community is best exemplified by his song “Say No”, whic he wrote as a means to get across a message to young people about plans to amalgamate Wairoa District Council with four other councils.

Mr Gilbert put together a music video for the song with members of the community, which went viral on YouTube and increased publicity for the vote.

Some of his other contributions over the past year include writing music for kids, friends, weddings and Wairoa profiles; and playing strong roles in local campaigns such as the Wairoa Hikoi for Moko, Wairoa Hi5, and Clean Green Wairoa.

The awards ceremony and charity dinner will be at Te Tini o Porou Conference Centre in Kaiti on Friday, June 24.

Tickets are available from the Family Works office or at www.eventfinda.co.nz