Te Urewera didn't leave empty handed despite missing out on a placing at the Smokefree Pacifica Beats national final in Auckland last night.
The band from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Huiarau in Ruatahuna took home the Native Reo Award and $500 cash.
The reggae-soul band comprises Puhikura Teka on vocals, Rangiwhaitiri Edwards on bass, Kirihou Teka on vocals, Rangiataahua Tawhara-Mita on keyboard, and Manaaki Ahuriri on drums.
![Te Urewera is Puhikura Teka, (left), Rangiwhaitiri Edwards, Kirihou Teka, Rangiataahua Tawhara-Mita, and Manaaki Ahuriri. Photo/Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/REVC5TP3TG7B3IJJMOIZN5USS4.jpg?auth=0de98a0790e259d330bfbc426265d5570e3dd1c4b2f69ca657470d209803e752&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Puhikura said "our song was based on our land - where we live in Te Urewera - and was to encourage our youth from our hometown to be who they are and to know where they're from."