Music Commission News

After a 6-year hiatus, Far North’s Got Talent (FNGT’24) – a youth talent quest for rangatahi living and learning in Te Hiku – is pleased to announce their triumphant return. FNGT’24 are organising a Wananga and Programme across the next 4 months and seeking interest from your kura and students to participate.

All information can be found here at the Far Norths Got Talent Facebook Page.

Wananga Tuatahi
March Mon 18th – Fri 22nd is a 5-day wananga at Kenana Marae for applicants in music and dance. Christian McDonald (Music Teacher from Taipa Area School) will be leading the kaupapa with the support of experienced mentors from the New Zealand Music Commission i.e. Hani Totorewa (Katchafire), Laughton Kora (KORA), Kenape Saupese (Tomorrow People), Rodney Fisher (Goodshirt) and more. The Wananga will involve breakout workshops and cater for a maximum of 80 students/whanau to prepare them with performing arts skills and to help build confidence before the auditions process. Opportunities for tamariki from this Wananga also include entrance into Smokefree Rockquest, Bandquest, Songwriting Competitions and can be applied to NCEA credits.

FNGT’24 Auditions
4 audition rounds with local musicians providing feedback on performances and selecting a group of Te Hiku finalists, will be held as follows:
Audition 1: Te Kura o Te Kao – 5 April
Audition 2: Taipa Area School – 12 April
Audition 3: Te Kura Taumata o Panguru – 3 May
Audition 4: Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Pukemiro – 10 May
There may also be online auditions for tamariki who can’t make the audition rounds. Tamariki are encouraged to attend the first Wananga to best prepare them for their audition.

FNGT’24 Finals Wananga
May 25 – 26th will focus on providing the Far North finalists with perfecting their performance for the Grand Final which will be judged by established artists from NZ’s entertainment industry with cash prizes and music/dance opportunities to be won. The carved trophies for best overall Junior and best overall Senior artist will also be presented and we have created a new section with Tiare Lanigan as the cornerstone for best composition – original waiata.

FNGT’24 Grand Final – will be held June Sat 22nd at Te Ahu Center. We are expecting a night of performing arts excellence to showcase the best of the best youth talent from the Far North.

Teachers are most welcome to attend the Wananga with students or Tamariki ages 14 years and under need to attend with a guardian. The Wananga is free and accom and kai are provided for the week but registration is necessary. Registration Form is available through your school or the form here.

Check out all things Far North’s Got Talent below:
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