Nature’s Pic Images Blog

Recently we launched my latest book, Majestic New Zealand, in Conservation House, Wellington, NZ. The Director-General of Conservation, Al Morrison, kindly did the honours and hosted the evening.

Just prior to his speech, Terri Ripeka Crawford and Mere Boynton performed a completely impromtu song and dance performance of ‘Te Kokako’ - a composition by the late Hirini Melbourne, in honour of my book. I want to share this with you.

It was amazing, completely unexpected, very spiritual and moving for people (yes, we saw tears). For me it was a great honour and a moment of complete presence and clarity in the evening which created good memories. Thank you very much to both of you.  I hope my blog readers will enjoy watching the performance, as we did.

‘Te Kokako’ represents the dance and…song of our rare native blue wattled crow, the Kokako (with the most beautiful bird song in the world we think).

The acoustics in the building where fabulous - I just wish we could do it better justice with our recording.  And, Mere modestly told me later that her voice wasn’t properly warmed up given the impromtu nature of the recital.  By the crowd of people working late she drew to the balconies in the atrium above us, and the appreciation we gave, we were all impressed.

A big thanks for Becca Hart for the foresight to record it all on my G10, and to Terri and Mere for permission to share it with you.

Have a look at Mere’s CD WAIKOHU (Mere Boynton and Friends. MMT 2034), and other interesting works.  And, read more about Terri Ripeka Crawford and her work.

 

We’re going to add a bookstore to purchase copies of Majestic New Zealand soon. And I’d like to sign and dedicate if you wish.
All the best
Rob

Update: We now have signed copies of available for supporters, if you’d like to consider a copy, have a look here.

Tagged: amazing, book launch, Hirini Melbourne, Majestic New Zealand book, Maori song and dance, Mere Boynton, performance, Rob Suisted, Te Kokako, Terri Ripeka Crawford, thank you