A wonderful New Zealand adaption of the popular song The Twelve Days of Christmas.
Kingi M. Ihaka (Author)
Sir Kingi Matutaera Ihaka (Te Aupouri, 1921-1993) was a respected
translator, Anglican minister, broadcaster, musician and Maori
language champion.
He was born at Te Kao, Northland, the thirteenth of fourteen
children. His second name commemorated the great leader Te Puea
Herangi's visit to Te Pao and his family always called him Matu.
His father was highly educated, a prominent Anglican and a friend
of Apirana Ngata. His great-grandfather, Paraone Ngaruhe, signed
the Treaty of Waitangi on behalf of Te Aupouri.
Despite growing up in hard times, and the number of children in the
Ihaka family, education was valued by Kingi's parents. So was their
Anglican faith, and prayer and music played a large role in their
family life. Kingi was a good student and especially liked books
and music. He grew up fluent in Maori and English as his mother Te
Paea Nepia spoke only Maori.
When he left school he worked as a clerk in the Native Department,
trained as an interpreter and as an Anglican minister, and served
in many various roles in the Church until his retirement.
He had a beautiful, deep singing voice and throughout his life was
deeply involved in a number of community organisations and cultural
groups, composing music and training choirs. A founding member of
the Putiki Maori Club and a tutor of adult education at Ngati
Poneke Maori Club, Ihaka published a collection of Maori proverbs
and popular sayings, and regularly contributed to the 'Maoritanga'
programme on national radio.
He was knighted in 1989 for his services to the Maori people and in
1990 became Maori Language Commissioner.
He died in 1993 at the age of 73, and was buried at Purewa cemetery
in Auckland. He is remembered for his careful management of
organisational change, his accessibility to Pakeha as well as
Maori, and his commitment to excellence. He left behind a number of
musical works including A Pukeko in a Ponga Tree, his enduringly
popular adaptation of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'.
Dick Frizzell (Illustrator)
Dick Frizzell is one of New Zealand most popular and most important
artists, whose works are held in major public, corporate and
private collections. His pop artworks have become some of New
Zealand's most iconic and well-known images, from his 'Mickey to
Tiki, Tu Meke' to his Four Square grocer. He has exhibited widely
throughout New Zealand and has published several books.
Born in Auckland, he lives in Hawke's Bay.
 |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
