Action Songs and Poi Tunes Competition

Te Ao Hou, September 1966, Page 56

Action Songs and Poi Tunes Competition The idea of running a competition for original action songs and poi dances was suggested some years ago by Mr Leo Fowler, the man in charge of the N.Z.B.C.'s Maori programmes. The aims are to avoid the use of current “hit tunes” for Maori items, and to discover people with talent for composing tunes or writing words for action songs and poi dances. The proposal to have such a competition was agreed to by the N.Z.B.C., with the joint sponsorship of the Maori Purposes Fund Board, and a committee decided on rules and prizes. For both the action song and poi tunes, first prizes will be trophies valued at £20 and £80 cash. Second prizes are £10 trophies with £40 cash, and £10 trophies with £15 cash are the third prizes. First, second and third prizes for the lyric are £40, £20 and £10, with in each case a £10 trophy. The competition is open to all New Zealanders, and judging of the tunes will be done only on recorded performance. This means that it is not necessary to write down any music. Entries in the Maori lyric section, however, must be written in both Maori and English. Those entering the competition will need to rehearse well, and have their songs recorded at a convenient radio station. They can be sung by from one to four people, with one instrument as accompaniment. The composer may be one of the performers, or may prefer to have other people sing for him. The N.Z.B.C. reserves the sole right to re-arrange, broadcast or publish any entry. The five judges are authorities in the field of Maori music. Hetekia Te Kani Te Ua, O.B.E., an elder of the Te Aitangamaahaki tribe is recognised as an expert in tribal lore and Maori Culture. He