Stan Walker Invites Kura to Celebrate Whakapapa through New Waiata

Award-winning Māori singer-songwriter Stan Walker is calling on kura across Aotearoa to engage with their whakapapa and identity through his latest waiata, titled 'Family Tree'. The initiative, reported by Waatea News on Thursday, 3 September 2026, encourages students to explore the connections between generations and the communities that provide them with a sense of belonging. The kaupapa focuses on the powerful themes of knowing one's roots and acknowledging the ancestors and family members who have shaped the lives of young people. Kura are being invited to perform the song in their own unique ways, whether through school choirs, kapa haka groups, or music classes. By bringing their own interpretations to the music, students can transform a classroom lesson into a heartfelt exploration of their personal and cultural stories. In a significant opportunity for aspiring young performers, participating students have the chance to be selected to join Walker on stage. The winners will perform alongside him during his upcoming symphonic shows, providing a professional platform for tamariki and rangatahi to showcase their talents. Walker’s project aims to put creativity back into the hands of the youth, allowing them to connect the music to their own whānau and tūrangawaewae. Waatea News reports that for Māori students, the project is a way to deepen connections to their pepeha, iwi, and hapū. However, the underlying message remains universal for all cultures, asking students to reflect on the people and places that define them. By turning the focus toward family and belonging, Walker hopes to provide a meaningful alternative to global digital culture for Aotearoa’s next generation.