Song for Ihumatao

FEELING THE LOVE: Gisborne musician Rob Ruha wrote a waiata for Ihumatao (pictured) but says the recorded product was due to the “aroha (love)” of many. Picture by NZ Herald

Gisborne musician Rob Ruha says it’s important to get behind the Ihumatao movement because issues like these are happening everywhere.

“There are Treaty transgressions and violations of indigenous rights happening all over the world — even in our own rohe (region).”

Ruha rallied Maori artists from around New Zealand to help produce a song he wrote in support of the protectors at Ihumatao, and to encourage Maori and other indigenous people to “keep the faith”.

Ruha had the idea for the song while he and wife Cilla were flying home from Japan.

“I planned the song on the plane and as soon as we hopped off we sent out an email and asked, ‘who wants to come and record this song? We’ve got no budget’.”

Auckland recording studios Roundhead and Parachute came to the party, offering their services.

“They’re probably two of the most reputable recording studios in the country, so it was awesome that they opened their doors.”

Ruha said friends from Whakatane, Kerikeri, Invercargill and Rotorua headed to Auckland. Some musicians even cancelled gigs to be a part of the waiata recording, which took just half a day.

One of the contributing artists, Ria Hall, took half an hour to record her part, then drove back to Tauranga to feed her baby.

“They gave all their aroha (love), all their time and all their resources for free because they believe in the kaupapa,” said Ruha.

“I wrote the song but it happened because of all the aroha.

“We decided we would split the putea (money) between different kaupapa we thought needed the help.”

Mauna Kea in Hawaii and Ihumatao were two kaupapa immediately agreed on for profits to go towards.

In Hawaii, protests have arisen over plans to build a 30-metre telescope on Mauna Kea, regarded as sacred land by native Hawaiians. The telescope would be one of the largest in the world.

Ruha’s song, Ka Maanu, is about faith and is available on Spotify, iTunes and Youtube.

“To all those facing hardship, I hope this waiata builds the faith in you to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep moving forward,” he said.

Ruha has been involved in another music project for those at Ihumatao, the album Toitu te Whenua.

Multi-award winning singer and songwriter Maisey Rika was instrumental in pulling together the elements for the album.

She called on musicians around Aotearoa to unite to produce an album and hold a concert inspired by Ihumatao and other issues that have affected First Nations worldwide.

The album was ready in time for The Frontline solidarity concert for Ihumatao in Auckland on Saturday.

Ruha was not at the concert. He chose instead to perform at the Tamararo festival in Gisborne on Saturday and felt it was important to stay to the end.

“I’ve heard on all accounts that Frontline was a really great success and it was awesome for those who were there to see the faces of some of the Ihumatao protectors.”

In Gisborne, Ruha performed as part of Te Paki o Autahi group. He described the experience as “magic”.

“It’s important to support homegrown kaupapa that remind us of who we are . . . that feeling is what pushes us beyond what we think we’re capable of when we come to face issues like the ones our whanau up at Ihumatao are facing.”