Former Dead Flowers Guitarist Riqi Harawira Returns to His Roots with ‘Ka Pīoioi’
Former Dead Flowers guitarist and award-nominated Māori artist Riqi Harawira(Ngāpuhi – Te Aupōuri) continues his musical journey of reconnection and rediscovery with the release of his new single, Ka Pīoioi.
A contemporary reimagining of the much-loved waiata, released with the blessing of original composer Tamai Nicolson, Ka Pīoioi marks the latest chapter in Harawira returning to the language and culture that have always been part of who he is.
The single forms part of the ongoing Regroove Series, a kaupapa dedicated to reimagining and celebrating treasured waiata Māori while preserving their original spirit and meaning. Alongside the series, Harawaira says he is developing Te Kete Puoro, an educational music initiative designed to support te reo Māori learning and strengthen cultural connection through music.
“Ka Pīoioi is about coming home to yourself. Through the Regroove Series and Te Kete Puoro, I want to honour our waiata while helping new generations connect with our language, culture and stories,” says Harawira.
For many New Zealand music fans, Harawira is best known as a founding member of acclaimed rock band Dead Flowers. After decades spent performing and creating music, he has entered a new season of artistry, one shaped by whakapapa, te reo Māori and the stories that connect people to place, community and each other.
Blending contemporary Māori music with soulful storytelling honours a treasured waiata while creating space for a new generation of listeners to connect with it. Themes of identity, belonging, language and whānau run throughout the release, reflecting the belief Harawaira has that music can be a powerful bridge between generations.
The response to his recent work reflects a growing appetite for music grounded in culture and authenticity. In the past month alone, Harawira has more than doubled his online audience as listeners continue to connect with both his music and the kaupapa that drives it.
Recent highlights include performances at Morph Festival, Pasifika Festival and Waitangi Day celebrations, a feature appearance on ‘Te Ao with Moana’ coverage in the ‘New Zealand Herald’, and the continued growth of Te Kete Puoro as a resource for whānau, schools and communities.
Ka Pīoioi represents me as an artist returning to a place of purpose and connection. It’s a celebration of te reo Māori, culture and identity, and a reminder of the role music can play in carrying our stories forward,’ says Harawira.
Ka Pīoioi is available now on all major streaming platforms.
