AdigitalplatformtopreserveandpromoteMāorimusic
Tāmata Toiere is a responsive and innovative digital platform designed to preserve and promote Māori music, including waiata (songs) and kapa haka (performances). The website offers a user-friendly interface, extensive song libraries, and valuable resources for enthusiasts and researchers.
About the client
Te Ipukarea Research Institute, part of AUT, is a dedicated organisation committed to preserving and promoting the Māori language and culture. Ipukarea translates to heritage. Recognising the importance of waiata and kapa haka songs in Māori heritage, the institute sought a technology partner to redevelop a platform to make these taonga (treasures) accessible to wider audiences and support their digital preservation.
A digital refresh
Tāmata Toiere is a revitalised digital platform that provides a comprehensive collection of waiata and kapa haka songs. Think of it as Spotify but dedicated to waiata and kapa haka. Users can easily search for songs by composer, genre, or theme, learn their lyrics and meaning, and explore the rich tapestry of Māori musical traditions.
Key features:
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Comprehensive song library: A large collection of waiata and kapa haka songs, including lyrics, audio recordings, and videos.
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Intuitive interface: A simple and intuitive design allows users to navigate the platform effortlessly.
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Search functionality: Powerful search tools enable users to find specific songs or composers quickly.
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Cultural context: Detailed information about the cultural significance of each song, including historical background and compositional techniques.
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Multi-lingual support: The platform supports both Māori and English languages, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience.
Design with purpose
The redesign and development of Tāmata Toiere was a collaborative effort between Te Ipukarea Research Institute and Dynamo6's team of experienced developers. Respecting the cultural significance of Māori music and language was paramount. We worked closely with designers skilled in Te Ao Māori to ensure the design reflected these values. Traditional colour schemes and imagery were thoughtfully integrated with a modern aesthetic.
The tuhu (logo) is shaped like the pūtōrino, a cocoon-like instrument associated with Hine Raukatauri, the goddess of music and dance. The pūtōrino can be played in various ways, as a flute, a trumpet, or to change your voice. Throughout the website and logo, patterning shows various wavelengths of music and the pakati (notching) found on a pūtōrino.
