Gisborne Tairāwhiti is famously the first city in the world to see the sun, but it is the most remote from other New Zealand cities. Musicians from the region have become famous internationally: soprano Kiri Te Kanawa, Māori showband masters such as Thomas Kini and Solomon Pōhatu. But the strength of East Cape music is its self-reliance, with local artists such as Lena Ruru, Wiremu Kerekere, Ngahiwi Apanui and Rob Ruha making an impact locally and nationally. Initiatives in Gisborne such as the Capture recording studio and label, or the Smash Palace venue have made sure the local scene is vibrant. This map shows some of the locations that are important for music history in Gisborne Tairāwhiti and the East Cape.
Click here to see a full-sized version of the map. The map on this page is best viewed on a desktop/laptop/tablet; if you wish to zoom in on any particular location then double-click.
AudioCulture’s tour guide: Simon Vita, former Gisborne musician, and Wellington journalist.
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Other music maps on AudioCulture:
Central and Southern Hawke’s Bay Music Map
Flying Nun's Early Years in Christchurch
Christchurch Post-punk Music Map
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