Waiata 100 results highlight iconic Māori musical legacy and emerging soul talent

On 13 July 2026, RNZ Life reporters highlighted the diverse range of music that defined the inaugural Waiata 100, a countdown of Aotearoa New Zealand’s favourite songs from the last century. While the Pātea Māori Club’s legendary 'Poi E' took top honours, the results also shed light on other significant works that have shaped the nation’s cultural identity through te reo Māori and neo-soul rhythms. Among the standout entries was Moana and The Moa Hunters' 1991 classic 'A.E.I.O.U. (Akona Te Reo)'. The song is notable not just for its popularity but for its historical significance as the first track to receive a music video funded by NZ On Air. The waiata served as a powerful public call for the nation to learn and embrace the Māori language, reflecting a pivotal moment in the country's musical and linguistic history. The countdown also celebrated contemporary Māori artistry, such as Mara TK’s 2021 neo-soul track 'Highly Medicated'. Featured on the album Bad Meditation, the song was praised by voters for its 'epic songwriting and production'. RNZ’s Tony Stamp previously noted that the artist’s work uses a wide palette of effects to create an immersive experience, with fans describing the solo album as one of the best musical projects ever produced in New Zealand. Music writer Nick Bollinger, providing analysis for the results, noted that these songs are increasingly being recognised as taonga that take time to embed themselves within the culture. The Waiata 100 serves as a reminder of how songs like those by Moana Maniapoto and Mara TK continue to resonate across generations, blending traditional kaupapa with modern sounds to provide a unique soundtrack for the people of Aotearoa.