Iconic song may be super hit (+ video)

Supergroove frontman Karl Steven and blues singer Caoimhe Macfehin have re-recorded Pokarekare Ana.

It's hoped a blues-rock version of well-known Rotorua song Pokarekare Ana could become a chart-topping hit.

Pokarekare Ana has been re-recorded by Supergroove frontman Karl Steven and a full length video clip has been released exclusively online. The new blues-rock version of the city's most famous song was filmed in different locations around Rotorua in late November.

Steven and blues singer Caoimhe Macfehin were filmed performing in iconic Rotorua locations such as Whakarewarewa, Te Puia, and around the city's lakefront. Locals from Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick, through to intermediate and high school students, and numerous by-standers and visitors took part in various cameo appearances across the city.

MediaR director Tony Richards, who oversaw the shoot, says so much great footage was shot it will was a challenge to create the final cut.

"Our aim is to take this version of the song that we know is resonating with viewers beyond just a television commercial and turn it into a piece of art," he said.

"We left no stone unturned to capture anything that was interesting or a bit off-beat and quirky.

"This song has such a strong affinity with Rotorua, and we wanted to capture that raw, personal emotion by filming everyday people of Rotorua - and show the pride and passion they have for their city."

Richards said local school children really rose to the occasion and their performances were "absolute gold".

The contemporary version of the song was recorded by Steven and Macfehin last year as the backing soundtrack for a series of television commercials which star Rotorua teenager Te Rina West. The opening verse can be heard during the 15 second ads and the song proved to be an online hit. Te Rina has also made a guest appearance in the new video.

"We wanted to take a simple, quintessential kiwi approach to the soundtrack that resonates so strongly with our destination and perceptions of it."