Adam Whauwhau
Adam Whauwahu is a celebrated musician, composer and Kapa Haka practitioner deeply connected to his Māori heritage. His creative practice draws inspiration from his ancestral lands, Maungatautari, and his iwi, Ngāti Haua. Kapa Haka has been a significant part of Adam’s life since childhood, where he learned to compose and develop ideas by observing his elders. His creativity is closely tied to his Māoritanga, family, and the natural environment.
Adam finds inspiration in the landscapes of his iwi, whether it’s standing on a mountain, feeling the breeze, or being near the ocean, where he often plays his guitar. These ties to the land and sea fuel his creativity, helping him compose songs and develop new ideas.
“My creativity comes from where I’m from – Maungatautari is my ancestral maunga, Waikato is my ancestral river… a lot of my inspiration for composing is around my Māoritanga, my people, and my family.”
As a teacher with almost three decades of experience, Adam has composed numerous songs for Kapa Haka groups and other cultural initiatives. A pivotal moment in his creative journey was a trip to Hawaii, where he connected with indigenous artists facing challenges of land loss and language retention. This experience reinforced the importance of his work in preserving Māori culture through music, inspiring him to continue composing in Te Reo Māori and fostering connections with indigenous communities across the Pacific.
Based in Tauwhare, he is a musician and Kapa Haka practitioner whose creativity is deeply rooted in his Māori heritage and ancestral lands. His compositions are inspired by the natural world, family and his strong connection to Māoritanga.