Tawaroa Kawana (Rangitāne), known as TAWAZ, is a dynamic Māori artist who grew up in Te Papaioea. As a singer- songwriter, TAWAZ passionately champions te reo Māori through his music, collaborating with renowned artists like Stan Walker, Jackson Owens, Sons of Zion, and many more. His contributions to Māori music have been recognised with the prestigious Mana Reo and Best Māori Artist Te Manu Taki Māori o te Tau awards at the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards. In addition to his artistic endeavours, TAWAZ is a highly respected mātanga reo, offering his expertise to support other artists in translating and recording waiata reo Māori.
