Wāhine Waiata
Your voice carries the stories of your whānau, your whakapapa, and the tīpuna wāhine who came before you.
Join Wāhine Waiata and Receive:
1 x 30-minute individual online vocal lesson
Dedicated one-on-one time with Hinekoia for personalised vocal coaching, feedback and support.
5 x 1.5-hour live MasterClass Zoom sessions with Hinekoia
A safe, supportive space to learn about your voice alongside other awesome wāhine.
8 months of access to the Wāhine Waiata online vocal training course
60+ vocal training videos, plus waiata resources to support your learning and practice.
What's different about Wāhine Waiata?
Wāhine Waiata is grounded in both voice science and te ao Māori.
That means you will not just be told to “sing louder” or “use your diaphragm.”
You will learn what is actually happening in your body, how to avoid strain and hoarseness and how to strengthen your voice through specific vocal exercises.
You can waiata and karanga with more confidence, skill and freedom.
You can find and develop your own oro.
You can stand confidently in your own mana motuhake.
Your voice will be honoured and respected in this space.
Hinewai:
"From the very first lesson, learning about the physiology of how we create sound helped to de-mystify old memories of negative feedback and my own beliefs around singing.
The resources were outstanding. I used the vocal warm-ups daily during my 30-minute commute to work, and yes - they really do help build strength and muscle memory around the vocal cords.
My confidence began to grow during the course. I started attending more kaupapa at my marae and doing waiata tautoko. I was shaky and off-key a few times, but I kept going and began to figure out which waiata worked best with my own tone.
Late last year, I took a leap of faith and joined our Pakeke Kapa Haka for Mataatua Regionals. All I can say is, at full volume, I wasn’t asked to leave!”
Mereana:
“Before Wāhine Waiata, my voice was good, but unsure. I was holding back and not fully released.
Now I’m hitting those high notes. My karanga is sounding crazy in a wow-factor way.
Being able to freely own and understand your voice and be in control is empowering. I finally know how to use the tools we were all born with as wāhine, paeoro, oro, breathing, grounding - in a safe, empowering space.
Now my voice is strong, clear, fearless, and I’m in control.
I totally recommend Hinekoia’s class. She’s fun, engaging, crack-up, and makes everything simple. She helps you identify what’s already inside you.
Course Information
Course Modules
Vocal Anatomy
Aligned posture
Breathing for singing
Vocal Warm-ups
Using cry/tangi to extend your range
Why does the voice get hoarse?
Finding and training your karanga sound
How to haka and avoid getting hoarse
The role of the tongue in voice production
Vocal Health
Master Class Content
Master Class 1: Whakawhanaungatanga. Voice Gym, Vocal Warm-ups, Vocal Anatomy
Master Class 2: Responsive Breathing, Tangi, Getting rid of vocal tension, Open session
Master Class 3: Karanga Activation (Receive feedback on your karanga oro)
Master Class 4: Tikanga of Karanga Q and A
Master Class 5: Creating vocal stability with Anchoring and Open session
*Content may vary from schedule
Master Class Dates 2026
Tuesday 13th October 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Tuesday 20th October 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Tuesday 3rd November 7:30pm - 9:00
Tuesday 17th November 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Tuesday 24th November 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Time zone for all Master Classes is GMT +13 (Auckland, New Zealand)
*Can’t make it live? All masterclasses are recorded and uploaded to the course platform, so you can catch up or revisit them whenever you need.
Waiata Resources
General Te Reo pronunciation (8 videos)
Pronunciation videos for the waiata: Te Aroha, Tūtira Mai, Ngā Iwi E, Purea Nei, Tōku Reo
Backing tracks and guide vocals for: Te Aroha, Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi E, Purea Nei, Tōku Reo
Facebook Group
Access to the Wāhine Waiata Community Facebook group.
This course is perfect for wāhine who:
Want clear, practical training to develop strong vocal technique grounded in Te Ao Māori
Are looking for a safe, supportive space to build confidence and step forward as kaiwaiata and kaikaranga
Value being part of a motivated community where wāhine encourage and uplift one another
Are ready to gain the skills and knowledge needed to confidently lead and participate in waiata and karanga
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Wāhine Waiata is fully online, so you can access the course from wherever you are.
All masterclasses, training videos, waiata resources, and course materials are available online through the course platform.
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There is no group singing in the live classes.
However, you will have opportunities to sing or karanga during class and receive individual feedback.
This can feel scary at first, but the group is always supportive. These moments are really valuable because they give me a chance to guide you personally, help you feel the technique working in your own voice, and support you to grow in real time.
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Every masterclass is recorded and uploaded to the course platform, so you can catch up, rewatch, and keep practising in your own time.
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No. You do not need to be a confident singer to join Wāhine Waiata.
This course is for wāhine of all levels - whether you are just beginning, returning to your voice, or already singing and wanting to strengthen your technique, confidence, and vocal freedom.
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You do not need hours every day.
Even small, regular practice can make a big difference. Many wāhine use short pockets of time like driving, walking, or getting ready in the morning — to practise warm-ups and vocal exercises.
The course is designed to give you practical tools you can return to again and again.
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Yes. The live Zoom masterclasses include opportunities for individual feedback and attention.
This is one of the most powerful parts of the course, because you can ask questions, try the technique, and receive guidance specific to your voice.
What Wāhine Are Saying About The Course:
“Through your expertise in voice science, you have helped me find the strength and courage to Karanga and to use my voice with pride in a safe and supportive space.”
— Ōriwa“I’m 8 weeks deep in this course, and I can’t even explain how quickly my oro, my waiata tangi, my karanga has improved and continues on the daily!”
— Rangihuatake“I’ve loved watching the videos and learning about voice gym. I treasure being in this space with other wāhine who are keeping our culture alive.”
— Helen