A Life Shaped by Reo, Waiata, and Whānau
Te Amohaere Jefferies’ journey is grounded in whānau, reo, and a deep connection to the places that shaped her. Raised alongside her five siblings, she moved between kura and communities that nurtured her upbringing in te ao Māori.
“We went to kōhanga reo and kura in Opotiki at Omarumutu, which was english speaking at the time. Then we moved to the coast and attended Te Kura Mana Māori o Maraenui, where we learnt more about the reo.
“For our college years, my sisters and I went to St Joseph’s Māori Girls in Napier, while my brothers stayed and attended Opotiki College, and later went on to Hamilton Boys High School.
“Despite being spread across the motu, we remained close and anchored in our whakapapa, often returning to my father’s side in Kirikiriroa for holidays and big whānau gatherings.”
Music found Te Amohaere early.
“Maraenui was where my interest and passion for music grew. This is where I learned to play guitar, harmonise, and the joys of singing waiata. These are some of my fondest memories, always singing with my friends on the playground, and during our breaks
“In high school we experimented with composing waiata, not really knowing what we were doing, or understanding that these creative sparks could become a future pathway.”
Inspired by her friends who were composing kapa haka brackets, she went on to university, and with encouragement from her whānau, she began exploring her gifts more seriously.
“I was at Uni when I was encouraged to compose Tangia, a waiata inspired by covid, reminding people to pause, breathe, and remember where we come from. The message is about the importance of rest in a busy world.”
Motherhood arrived soon after.
“I completed Tangia and was a mum for the first time, so I put my music on hold to navigate motherhood. But the creative pull never left me, and I went on to compose my second waiata: Rongoā Tuku Iho.”
Music has always been a thread in her life, alongside kapa haka. “I’ve stood with Opotiki Mai Tawhiti kapa haka for ten years, and those experiences have shaped me in countless ways. They have strengthened whānau ties and opened doors I never imagined. I wouldn’t be here without those contributions, experiences, and opportunities.”
In 2024, Te Amohaere completed her bachelor’s degree in Māori Performing Arts at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. She says, “Balancing full-time mahi, motherhood, and study was demanding, but rewarding and transformative.
“Haka is not only about performance; it is mātauranga, history, education, and identity. All of these things fit into this world, and it’s really cool when you realise that and start connecting all the dots.”
“Studying this degree in tikanga Māori under the firm guidance of Te Kahautu Maxwell, I was able to explore composition through academic papers, which reignited my passion for music and creativity It deepened my appreciation for the intellectual richness of kapa haka and Māori performing arts.”
Soon after completing her degree, she was invited to apply for a lecturing role at Awanuiārangi. “I am primary teaching trained but was up for a new challenge. The wānanga is another pathway for me to give back to our people, whānau, hapū and iwi. It seems only natural given my ties to this Whare Wananga, and Ngāti Awa iwi through both of my parents.
“The uniqueness of Awanuiārangi lies in its authenticity. The teaching approach here is grounded, relational, and culturally aligned.”
Te Amohaere will be releasing her highly anticipated EP Tōku Ao from Haanaa and it will be streaming on all platforms from Friday 28th November.
Te Amohaere Jefferies is a Lecturer of the Bachelor of Māori Performing Arts at Awanuiārangi
Te Amohaere Jefferies
Qualifications: Bachelor of Māori Performing Arts
Iwi: Te Whakatōhea, Te Whānau ā Apanui, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Raukawa
Te Amohaere with her Mum, Dad, Siblings and Mokopuna.
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Ngā Mana Whakairo a Toi: Bachelor of Māori Performing Arts
