It was the 1960's when an invasion on the music industry took place in Australia as a generation of New Zealand entertainers arrived in Sydney to take up residency in their adopted country. Carrying with them their Guitars, amplifiers and love of music most settled in Sydney where the work was plentiful and lucrative.

Throughout the following years Maori Entertainers established themselves and became well known on the club and Hotel circuit, Groups like:

The Hi Fives       The Volcanics       The Hi Quins      The Quin tikis 

The Castaways      The Premiers     The Ti Pois       The Sundowners

The Troubadours      The Hakas   

All ambassadors for their   Country and race " The Maori".

This page is dedicated to so many of them who contributed so much to Australian  music industry and to those who continue to do so all over the world.

                The Hi Five Mambo:

This group was formed in New Zealand in the 60s and consisted of  Ronny Cooper, Solly Pohatu, Tuki Whittaker, Kawana Pohe (now living in Boulder City-U.S.A) and Manager Jim Anderson.

                   The Maori Hi Fives:    

Worked the circuit in Sydney before going International in the 1960s. Paddy Tetai, Mere Nimmo, Peter Wolland, Wes Epae, Kawana Pohe and Solly Pohatu.

Howard Morrison.

Howard Morrison Quartet: Although not a Showband was to become the most famous of all Vocal groups with Howard going on to become Sir Howard.  Howard Morrison, Noel King, Wi Wharekura, Jerry Merito.

                 The Deuces: 

Another Vocal group where in Nuki Waaka was to become a Co/Founder of the Maori Volcanics.  Nuki Waaka, George Tumuahai, John Nelson, Muri Waata.

                  Maori Hi Quins:    

( NO Photo Available) The lead female Vocalist Lynn Rogers became well known across the globe for her stylish gowns and fabulous voice. She now resides on the Gold Coast.

                     Maori Premiers:

This was the beginning of the Maori Premiers with Ronny Cooper, Sonny Komene, Johnny Doughety, and Charlie Smith.

                       The Hakas:

Formed in the 1960s and disbanded after completing a world tour. Members were  Hapi Tenana, Gavin Weir, Denise Keene, Tab Paenga, Kevin Rongonui  (now living in the U.S.A), Harry Rivers.

      The Castaways

Like the other Showbands formed in the 1960s, toured the Globe with most members settling eventually in Queensland.  Danny Robinson, Heke Kewene, Ricky James, Johnny Doughety, Richie Russell, Jenny Warner and Lee Hutchings.

   Australian Maori 60s Showband.  

This group was made up of members from the Australian music industry for the Maori Showbands Re union in Las Vegas Aug 1998 at Kawana Pohes home in Boulder City.