Absolutely loving RNZ’s countdown of the top 100 NZ waiata as voted for by listeners. I didn’t vote, despite thinking I would choose Dave Dobbyn’s Welcome Home for its compassionate message and gentle, catchy tune. There are so many to choose from across a huge range of genres and talented artists and it’s great to hear the songs we love.

Some of the songs are nostalgic and others are new to me. I found myself singing along to Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi, dancing to Untouchable Girls, while Nobody Gets what they Want Anymore astounded me with its beauty.

What a great way to spend the Matariki national holiday! As I listen to the songs and the messages coming in from listeners, I have a sense of the whole country going about their day while enjoying the music. What speaks more of Aotearoa than our music?