Pokarekare Ana gets contemporary treatment
7 January 2014
Supergroove frontman Karl Steven has re-recorded the classic New Zealand song Pokarekare Ana, with a full length video clip released exclusively online. The new blues-rock version of the city's most famous song was filmed in different locations around Rotorua.
The new recording and music video is part of the district's Famously Rotorua marketing campaign, coordinated by Rotorua Lakes Council's business unit Destination Rotorua. It is a fun, contemporary Kiwiana approach to the classic Pokarekare Ana - a simple, low budget way of maintaining interest in the successful Famously Rotorua campaign over the summer months.
Karl Steven and blues singer Caoimhe MacFehin were filmed performing in iconic Rotorua spots such as Whakarewarewa and Te Puia, and around the city's lakefront, late last year. Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick, school students and visitors feature in cameo appearances shot in different locations across the city.
Pokarekare Ana was originally written by Paraire Tomoana (Ngati Kahunganu) in 1917 with the assistance of Ngati Porou chief and politician, Sir Aparana Ngata.
Click HERE for link to the new Pokarekare Ana music video on YouTube.