Martin Kini, a former member of the 1960s Maori showband the Kini Quartet, has died.
The group, which also included Joe Williams, Esther Taihuka and Barney Taihuka, recorded eight singles with the Zodiac music label between 1962 and 1969.
Originally from Gisborne, the band relocated to Auckland after
success with the hit Under The Sun. It was also the title of their only LP released in 1964.
Other songs included Hard Times Are Comin' and The Kotahitanga.
They also released a 7-inch EP of Maori melodies in 1965 and in 1967 released one single with the Dave Donovan Quartet called Vaya Con Dios/Marie.
Mr Kini left the group but they retained the name of the band and replaced him with Richard Bell. Esther then left and was replaced by John Hemopo who only stayed with the group for a short time. The band continued as a trio for a while and released one single with the EMI label in 1974.
Martin is survived by four children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
