Published
2-11-2025
Type of Work
Article - Magazine
Abstract
This article explores the integration of te reo Māori and Pacific languages into the first-year songwriting programme at the SAE Creative Institute. Co-authored by educators Molly Devine and Saylene Tanielu-Ulberg, the piece reflects on how collaborative songwriting serves as a powerful vehicle for wairua (indefinable spiritual essence) and cultural identity. By centering ancestral knowledge, cultural metaphors, and indigenous worldviews—such as the relational space of va—the curriculum empowers Māori and Pacific students to create music without fear. Ultimately, the authors highlight how reclaiming language and culture through music acts as a vital form of awakening and creative resistance against political suppression.
Citation
Devine, M. J., & Tanielu-Ulberg, S. (2025, November). Songwriting at SAE Creative Institute. Tune Me In, 21(2). https://menza.co.nz/magazine/tune-me-in-volume-21-number-2-november-2025/
Link to Published Work
https://menza.co.nz/magazine/tune-me-in-volume-21-number-2-november-2025/