Vocal training infused with aroha, voice science and the transformative power of waiata.
Looking for excellent vocal training and resources?
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Become confident to use your voice to waiata, karanga and karakia with Wāhine Waiata, a community of like minded women reclaiming their reo (voice)!
Have you wanted to confidently join in with waiata or lead a waiata tautoko but never had the courage to try?
Have you been told that you can't sing, or shouldn't sing? But secretly want to give it a go?
Then this community is for you!
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A welcoming, supportive online course for ANYONE - absolute beginners, whānau who want to sing together, kaiako wanting to develop confidence to lead waiata with their students, and organisations wanting to uplift their teams!
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Specialist vocal training to protect and strengthen the voices of your rōpū
A practical, in-person wānanga for high school kapa haka rōpū, tutors, and kaiako, focused on building healthy, powerful, sustainable voice use for kapa haka.
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Imagine your team standing confidently together and singing waiata. That's what I can give you.
My Waiata Workshops blend voice training and vocal science with the beauty and power of waiata.
Learn quick pronunciation hacks for Te Reo and develop the confidence to sing waiata in the workplace!
Did you know that when we sing together, our hearts literally beat in sync? This powerful connection makes learning and singing waiata an exceptional team-building experience.
It's also an excellent way to build confidence in speaking Te Reo Māori!
I'd love to kōrero (talk) about how I can support your team.
Learn more here!
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Support your kaimahi (staff) with all the resources they need to become confident to use waiata in their every day work.
Learn more here
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Keen for your very own company waiata?
I write bespoke waiata that reflect the core values of your company.
I also provide all the necessary resources to help your kaimahi (staff) to learn the waiata.
Resources include:
A recording of the waiata
A backing track
Lyrics in Te Reo with the English translation
Actions (if appropriate for the song)
In person training sessions to learn the waiata (within Auckland)
Let’s kōrero about what type of waiata you want for your company.
Ko wai au? Who am I?
Kia ora Ko Hinekoia tōku ingoa.
Hi, I’m Hinekoia (Ngāti Hine, Whakatōhea, Te Aitanga ā Māhaki , Ngāti Makerewai and Ngāti Takahanga). I’ve been a vocal coach and performer for over 20 years, and I’m absolutely obsessed with all things voice. Singing, teaching, sharing, celebrating—if it involves voice, I’m in!
I created Waiata Mai Vocal Coaching so I could blend my love of vocal science with my passion for te ao Māori. My mission is to create an āhuru mōwai, a warm, welcoming space where people can grow their vocal skills, build real confidence, and connect with te reo Māori through the magic of waiata.
I’m lucky to work with a wide range of clients, from corporates like Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Auckland City Libraries, Woolworths, the Maritime Museum and Tāmaki Regeneration, to kura such as St Cuthbert’s College, St Kentigern College, and Henderson High.
I also love supporting kapa haka teams, including groups who’ve performed on the Te Matatini stage like Te Taha Tū and Te Ringa Kaha. Whether you’re preparing for performances, enhancing your group’s vocal strength, or building confidence in leading waiata, I’m here to uplift, support, and help your rōpū shine.
I’m also proud to be one of only four Estill Master Trainers in Aotearoa. Estill is a science-based approach that works for every style, kapa haka, pop, musical theatre, public speaking and everything in between. (Yes, I’m a total voice nerd and not even sorry about it.)
When I’m not coaching, you’ll probably find me watching kapa haka, learning te reo Māori, baking something sweet, or having a jam with my whānau.
Keen to mahitahi (work together)?
Join our whānau! Subscribe to our pānui (email newsletter) for upcoming events, in-person waiata workshops, and exclusive discounts!
We promise to be a koha (gift), not a hōhā (nuisance)!