First round of TV talent show auditions a hit

SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL: Helena Taniwha auditioning for Homai Te Paki Paki.PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY 240515WCBRCHOM01

The War Memorial Hall was alive with the sound of music yesterday as Homai Te Paki Paki hit town.

The popular singing talent quest show which screens on Maori TV held auditions in Wanganui for the first time.

Producer Erina Tamepo said the auditions were a success.

"We've held auditions before in New Plymouth but decided to go further afield.

"We're glad we came here, it's great to see the amount of talent here in Wanganui."

Hundreds of people turned up - many to support those auditioning. People could audition individually, or as a duo or trio, with the minimum age now reduced to 12.

Winners of the weekly heats would take home $1000 while the ultimate winner's prize totalled $20,000.

Ms Tamepo said around 30 acts were chosen from the auditions to progress to the heats.

To save travel costs for contestants, those chosen were taped performing at the War Memorial Hall. Ms Tamepo said if contestants progressed further, they would be required to travel to Auckland.

Among the hopefuls was Helena Taniwha, who got the audience rocking along to Shake, Rattle and Roll, by Bill Haley.

She told the Wanganui Chronicle afterwards that she had never auditioned for anything before but decided to come along and "give it a go". "I think it went well," Ms Taniwha said. "I love all music, but I especially love rock 'n' roll."

- Homai Te Paki Paki screens on Maori TV, Friday at 8.30pm.