Waikohu (‘mist’ or ‘fog’) is a collaboration between the well-known actress and singer Mere Boynton and artists from across a wide variety of musical styles.

Vocal compositions of a more traditional nature are complemented by contemporary waiata by Gareth Farr, Gillian Whitehead and Paul Booth, and enhanced by the contributions of Richard Nunns performing on traditional instruments.

Other artists featured on the recording include Chaitanya Temepara (guitar), Craig Newsome (piano), the percussionists of Strike, string players from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Gamelan Padhang Moncar and the Turanga Ararua kapahaka group.

Mere Tokorahi Boynton is a singer and actor, well known for her role as Mavis in the internationally acclaimed movie Once Were Warriors.

Her true passion, however, is singing. She has had formal training at the Conservatorium of Music in Wellington, and her desire to sing in te reo Maori and her experience in Maori performing arts and music have meant that Mere has developed a style of singing that draws on her classical training and her taha Maori.

Some ofher most memorable singing engagements to date have been performing in Gareth Farr’s Te Papa, which was composed specifically for the opening of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and singing in the acclaimed movie Te Tangata Whairawa o Weneti (The Maori Merchant of Venice).

1. Putorino Koiwi Toroa - Richard Nunns

2. Tangi Haehae - Gareth Farr

3. Whakamaua Kia U - Gareth Farr

4. Putorino e Rua Rakau Matai - Richard Nunns

5. Te Kokako - Hirini Melbourne

6. Putorino e Rua Rakau Matai - Richard Nunns

7. Karakia - Gillian Whitehead

8. He Wawata - arr. Gareth Farr

9. Hine e Hine - Princess Te Rangi Pai

10. Koauau Koiwi Toroa - Richard Nunns

11. Uri Taniwha - Gareth Farr

12. Koauau Koiwi Toroa - Richard Nunns

13. Mana Tawhiti - Mere Boynton

14. Putatara - Richard Nunns

15. Rere Atu Rere Mai - Paul Booth

16. Rawhitiwhiti - Paul Booth

17. Tui Tui Tuia - Paul Booth

18. Putatara - Richard Nunns

19. Te Putorino A Raukatauri - Hirini Melbourne

20. Nga Tamariki O Te Kohu - Hirini Melbourne

21. Kei A Koe - Wiremu Kerekere