Te Reo o te Wai, the language of the water, echoed through our community recently as the Martinborough Music Festival and Ruamāhanga Farm Foundation presented two concerts with local primary schools.
Commissioned as a special outreach initiative for the festival, the performances were devised by Jane Riddiford and Rod Sugden, with music by Sam Auger and Lyndsey Mason. Celebrating rivers, bush, and lake, the concerts brought together the voices and creativity of tamariki from Martinborough, Kahutara, and Pirinoa schools.
The performances were the culmination of a multilayered learning journey over two terms, following arts and conservation field trips along the Ruamāhanga awa and down to Lake Wairarapa. Guided by artists, conservationists, and tangata whenua, tamariki created poems and words that songwriter Sam Auger shaped into original songs.
Overcoming Nerves, Building Pride
For many young performers, standing on stage was an act of courage. “I felt scared reading my poem, but I faced it and did it anyway,” said Hugo from Pirinoa School. “Since I’ve done it once, I wouldn’t be as scared next time.” Michael from Martinborough School shared, “I loved singing in front of the whole school, it was the bravest thing I have done in my life.” Classmate Tory added, “I was nervous and had butterflies, but my heart felt warm when I saw the audience smiling.”
Teacher Tayla Longstaff noticed the impact: “The kids were buzzing. Parents were so impressed with every detail, down to the soft music during the poems. Many teachers said how mesmerised they were.”
Cultivating Connections
At its heart, Te Reo o te Wai connects children to their environment and community. Pirinoa Principal Toby Funnell valued the relationships formed. “This initiative has been outstanding at bringing people together. It connects conservation organisations, farmers, council, schools, and volunteers to restore the land.”
“This initiative has been outstanding at bringing people together. It connects conservation organisations, farmers, council, schools, and volunteers to restore the land.”
Martinborough Deputy Principal Ron Morrisey highlighted how conservation and creativity strengthened learning. “It has developed oral and written language, teamwork, and given tamariki a shared purpose. They’ve been part of something bigger than themselves.”
Tamariki spoke of the awa and ngāhere with deep appreciation. “I get to see the majestic scenery and learn to be a guardian of the river,” said Elizabeth Burnett (Year 4). Brock Mathews (Year 4) added, “I’ve enjoyed learning that everything has a living heart and soul.” Year 2 student Rakai Tipoki reflected, “I loved planting new trees and learning about species in our awa, especially touching the smooth eels.”
Their voices also moved those in attendance. Joe Howells, Chair of the Aorangi Restoration Trust, said, “We can’t see the full results of this work in reports, but we can feel it in our hearts at an event like this.”
Artistic Appreciation
Songwriter Sam Auger praised the honesty of the children’s words. “It’s been an honour to be gifted these poems and coax them into memorable songs.” ComposerinResidence Victoria Kelly described the concert as “one of the loveliest I’ve ever attended…
a beautiful example of igniting burgeoning artists.”
As one Kahutara student put it: “All water connects.”
A huge thanks to everyone involved. We look forward to continuing the journey and hope to start a Te Reo o te Wai Bush Choir for whānau and friends.
Email hello@ruamahanga.org.nz if you’d like to be involved.
