Bluwave had the privilege of attending the Auckland premiere of Instruments of the Moana, a compelling new docuseries that honours the musical heritage of the Pacific. Held at the Mangere Arts Centre, the event marked the launch of an eight-part series that delves into the origins and stories of forgotten Pacific instruments. This unique project, driven by Samoan-born storyteller Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava, explores the rich soundscape that once defined Pacific Island life before European contact. Each episode revives the voice of instruments that have long fallen silent, allowing them to resonate once more with Pacific communities and diaspora.
Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava, a storyteller and music composer of Samoan and Niuean ancestry, brings his passion for cultural revival to this project, which takes viewers across seven islands, including Samoa, Fiji, and Tonga. Maiava, who co-directed and wrote the series, is known for his work on the award-winning Sounds of the Moana podcast, a foundation for this visual exploration. His mission goes beyond mere rediscovery; it aims to provide Pacific youth, especially those born outside their ancestral lands, with a tangible connection to their heritage. “It is my responsibility as a parent to give my children a cultural identity beyond the mainstream,” Maiava said at the launch, underscoring the project’s deep personal significance.
Hon. Aupito Su’a William Sio, former Minister for Pacific Peoples, spoke at the event, lauding the series as a vital tool for cultural preservation. He emphasised its role in “telling our Pacific stories” and acknowledged the urgency in capturing these traditions before they are lost. Instruments of the Moana not only revives music but also restores pride and continuity within Moana Pacific communities. The series, supported by Manatū Taonga | The Ministry for Culture and Heritage, offers an invaluable educational resource for New Zealanders and Pacific communities worldwide.
The docuseries is now accessible on the SOUNZ website and through free video streaming platforms. For those who missed the launch, Instruments of the Moana offers a rare and powerful glimpse into the ancestral sounds that once defined Pacific life, enriching today’s Pacific cultural landscape.
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