CD of Maori songs to be launched today

A CD of songs by the late Hirini Melbourne is to be launched by Education Minister Trevor Mallard today.

Dr Melbourne, a prolific songwriter who was a leading figure in revitalising the Maori music scene, died in January last year. He was an expert on traditional Maori instruments, and performed with many classical and contemporary musicians.

Dr Melbourne was also Dean and Associate Professor in the school of Pacific and Maori Studies at Waikato University.

The CD, He Waiata ma te Katoa (Songs For Everyone) was assembled by Learning Media and features 10 of Melbourne's songs. He performed on several of the tracks on the CD, which will be provided free to all New Zealand schools.

- NZPA