To celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) 2024, running from September 14th-21st, Rolling Stone AU/NZ’s Song You Need to Know series is spotlighting a new up-and-coming Māori artist each day.
Allana Goldsmith’s new waiata Pīpīwharauroa starts with the call of the titular Pīpīwharauroa (shining cuckoo)—a classic sign of Raumati (summer) and new beginnings.
In New Zealand, Raumati isn’t just about the season; it’s when everything feels more alive. You get longer days, sunshine, and that relaxed vibe that makes you want to be outdoors. Goldsmith nails this feeling with her smooth te reo Māori vocals and bright reggae beats, bringing a touch of warmth to even the most grey spring day.
Goldsmith describes the track as a nod to her Tairāwhiti (East Coast) heritage. “The kupu (lyrics) begins with the familiar call of the Pīpīwharauroa (Shining Cuckoo), the bird that signifies the beginning of summer and the breaking of dawn, he rā ka hua (a new day). This feel-good Raumati waiata also reminds us to get the work done,’mahia te mahi’, lest you’re called out!”
The waiata, co-written with Tame Tuari, Byllie-Jean Zeta, and Dr Hona Black at the 2023 Reo Māori SongHubs, comes with a video directed by Shivani Karan and shot in the stunning Manaia, Coromandel.
The sun-drenched video – like something straight out of a Tourism New Zealand ad – shows Goldsmith’s family living the dream summer life in Taungatara. Picture easy boat rides on sparkling waters, swimming in sunny bays, and relaxing at the bach with whanau, enjoying a BBQ and kai. It’s a perfect slice of Kiwi summer life.
Goldsmith’s last single was her Matariki track, “MANAAKITIA,” which made our list of ‘Matariki 2024: 4 Aotearoa Releases to Check Out’,
For those unfamiliar, Goldsmith (Ngāti Porou and Ngai Tai) is a Māori contemporary jazz artist from the Tairāwhiti region on the East Coast of the North Island, Aotearoa/NZ.
Allana Goldsmith’s “Pīpīwharauroa” is out now.
