Charming Maori Girl Who Gives Songs Of The Islands

Radio Record, Volume XII, Issue 34, 3 February 1939, Page 4

Charming Maori Girl Who Gives Songs Of The Islands

HARMING and rather shy Maori girl, Airini Grennell, has built | up an enduring popularity in the few months she has been at 4ZB. Her fortnightly presentations be- | gan when she appeared with Kyra Jupp in sessions of popular songs. When Kyra ieft for Wellington, Airini continued the presentations, aided by her sisters Myra and Hinemoa. On Sunday mornings she conducts her session, "Songs of the Islands"; narrating against backgrounds of Island and Maori music, stories of the Polynesian Peoples, and describing customs and legends lying behind familiar folk songs, Alirini was born in the Chatham Islands, but since early childhood has lived with her people at Port

Levy, near Lyttelton. She was educated at the Sacred Heart College, Christchurch, specialising in voice production and music. At 18 she had gained her L.T.¢C.L. and L.A.B., both for singing and piano-playing, as well as scholarships and medals in competitions. She toured New Zealand as leading soprano with the Waiata Maori Choir, and was with the choir on its Australian tour in 1935, and its ° tour of the British Isles in 1937. During the tour of the Waiata Choir in England, Airini, along with other members, was presented to their Majesties, King George Vi, and Queen Elizabeth. Her grandfather, the well-known South Island Chief, Hone Tare Tikao, had the honour of entertaining the late King George V and Queen Mary when they visited New Zealand as the Duke and Duchess of York.