Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature are filming a special waiata in te reo Maori about our beloved Public Libraries to be screened on the City Library Cube and shared across the Cities of Literature Network.

The Dunedin City Council Waiata group was established in 2002 as a Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) initiative launched by Dunedin Public Library. The group’s kaupapa (purpose) is to provide waiata support for Councillors and Council staff at civic occasions and events, to develop Māori language skills, to increase awareness of tikanga (custom) and Te Reo Māori (language) and to build links with Ōtākou and Kāti Huirapa rūnaka (local iwi, tribe).

Performing at a wide range of functions including Mayoral welcomes, openings of Council facilities, exhibitions, festivals, policy and event launches, the group works under the guidance of tutors from Ōtākou Rūnaka. The waiata to be filmed to celebrate International Mother Language Day 2022 was composed by the group in 2005.