We’ve been flat out again but this time, on the beach in Tahiti. Betty-Anne is full on into ‘oe vaka’ (waka ama, va’a, Vaka etc) and we spent a week in Tahiti hooking up with our Maohi (Maori) whanau visiting and paddling. It’s their winter there now which is close to our Aotearoa summer. Man it was awesome dodging the deep freeze for 7 days. We even got abit of surfing in as well. We got a bit of a browning too from the nice hot sun. But of course, back to our reality, which is the Aotearoa winter. It was nice while it lasted. The good thing about being back home is, the music. We’ll be working on some new sounds for our 5th album so, looking forward to that. Time frame? maybe the end of 2009 or early 2010 depending on how freely the inspiration flows so, we will keep you posted. Kia Manuia.

This is a big shout-out going to Brian and the crew out there at ‘Music Mania’ music store in Manukau City. For years now they have been supporting Ardijah with the right hook-ups. The service is cool and if the gear ain’t in there, then they get it in quick smart with a good price. When you need the gear, the last thing you want is to wait for ages for something that cost too much. This ain’t no ’kiss butt’ spin, this is just how it is with these guys. Thanx Team.

I wished we could stay there longer to get into the local fishing. Long drive but worth it. Secluded, it was like a private party for the locals and anyone else keen enough to make the journey. An awesome night opened by the Northland Band ‘1814′.

Comfy, cosy and intimate. For Ardijah, the gig was face to face, in your face, close up and personal, just the way we like it. It is about celebrating the music and reminiscing the memories that each song brings on and also, creating new memories with the newer listeners that have just been exposed to the PolyFonk sound that some of us have enjoyed for decades before. Welcome to the celebration of life!!!!!

Good food, good company & good music. What more can I say. The day was very fulfilling for all who attended. What a lovely day it was too. Hot both musically & weather wise. After driving home at the completion of the gig, I think for everyone it was, ‘big cuppa tea and a big moe’ (sleep). It was time to rest the stomach and the head. E moe ra kotou. Ka kai aka’ao tatou a te ta’i tuatau ki mua. (Sleep now you lot, we will eat again some time in the future).

The difference between Waitangi Day in Australia and Waitangi Day in Aotearoa was, most of the Kiwi’s that turned up to the gig in Aussie were homesick. The stadium was packed with Kiwi’s and their Aussie mates getting a music history lesson from early Kiwi music revolutionaries. It was all about the music and about celebrating being a part of the Maori phenomenon. There were ‘Koru’ & ‘Moko’(Tatoos) as far as the eye could see. Once again, “hot gig both musically and weather wise”. Although the Aussie heat is a lot different to the Aotearoa Heat, the response was about even. Kia ora whanau (Live well Family!)

What does Waitangi Day mean to us? “Beautiful People” celebrating our culture on this Beautiful Day and celebrating what it is to be Maori. For myself, (Ryan Monga) ‘The Treaty of Waitangi’ is a contract between two parties, the indigenous people & owners of ‘the land of the long white cloud’ Aotearoa (which is also the rightful name for New Zealand)  and, the governing representation of the Crown of England, governing on behalf of both parties. Continue reading »

What a hot gig that was. Not only was Ardijah cooking on stage, but so was the weather. We were trying to rush down there to the gig straight after the Herbs gig in Okahu bay Tamaki makaurau, we felt for the audience waiting in the hot sun. So, we had to turn it on musically that day. Once the band started playing, I think we were forgiven for the minor late start. Once again, positive vibes all round. Everyone stayed till the last song and left that day on a high. On a Natural High with music being the drug of choice. Choice one all right!

The band Ardijah played to a packed out crowd in the most beautiful setting. The venue was smack in the middle of the Pukekura park, with heaps of native bush, small lakes & fountains dotted around the place and trees towering across the night sky.  The vibe was again, positive & peaceful. The venue & the music set the scene for the perfect whanau (family) night out. The age range was babies to elderly and with heaps in between. From the stage, the view was awesome. Thousands of smiling faces glaring back at the band with all limbs bopping. There was no hype necessary. The band and the people’s connected. Definitely a night to remember.

An awesome experience for the local people of Motueka. Ardijah & Herbs played a double billing gig to raise money to build a multifunction marae at the Motueka high school. Other head liner groups that played over the weekend were Nesian Mystic, Cornerstone roots and a heap of local bands. The vibe during the whole event was so peaceful & positive. People of all walks just grooving to the music celebrating the excellent musicianship. Thanks to the organizers for the opportunity.