IA music group releases Whakakai Marihi to support families through November remembrance

Aotearoa music group IA has released a new oriori (lullaby) titled 'Whakakai Marihi' to coincide with the month of November, a period dedicated to honoring infants and treasures who have passed away. As reported by Waatea News on Monday, 2 November 2026, the song is intended to serve as a vessel for the emotions and personal experiences of the duo behind the music, providing a space for reflection and connection. Reti Hedley of IA explained that the waiata was composed with the hope of bringing healing to hearts affected by the sorrow of infant loss. By sharing this music, the group aims to support grieving whānau and envelop them in a 'korowai o aroha' (cloak of love). The release acknowledges the deep pain associated with such loss while offering a cultural pathway toward comfort. The timing of the release aligns with seasonal efforts to raise awareness and provide a supportive environment for families throughout November. Through the traditional form of the oriori, Hedley and the group IA are utilizing Māori musical traditions to address contemporary grief and offer a sense of communal solidarity. Waatea News noted that the month of November serves as a specific time to acknowledge these pēpi and provide necessary support for the families impacted by these experiences. The release of Whakakai Marihi adds a significant cultural resource to this period of remembrance, emphasizing the role of pūoro (music) in the healing process for Māori communities.