This three-part series for the Jubilee of Hope honors the creativity of artists across Aotearoa, showcasing their work over the years. Their art expresses hope—not as a passing feeling, but as a powerful force woven into every brushstroke, lyric, and story. These works embody the richness of Aotearoa’s cultural and spiritual heritage, continuing to inspire and uplift.

Music has the power to uplift, inspire, and bring people together. In Aotearoa, musicians create melodies of hope, weaving together faith, culture, and resilience. Through song and sound, they tell stories that echo across generations, offering connection, comfort, and a deep sense of belonging.

Richard Puanaki – Ngāti Kahungunu (1949 – 2021) was a revered Māori composer and educator. He is best known for his waiata that have become integral to Māori liturgical practices. His compositions, such as "Ka Waiata," are celebrated for their spiritual depth and cultural significance, often performed in churches and community gatherings across the country. Puanaki's work has left a lasting impact on Māori music and education, fostering a deeper appreciation for Māori spirituality and artistic expression. His legacy continues to inspire and resonate within New Zealand's cultural landscape. 

Find out more about Richard’s life and music here. 

St Joseph’s Māori Girls’ College is renowned for its exceptional musical tradition, particularly its choral excellence and kapa haka performances. With a deep-rooted emphasis on Māori culture and faith, the school has nurtured generations of talented singers and performers who have gained national and international recognition. 

The college’s choir is celebrated for its powerful harmonies and spiritual depth, regularly performing at significant cultural and religious events. Their renditions of waiata and hymns beautifully blend Māori and Catholic traditions, creating a sound that is both uplifting and deeply moving. Many distinguished musicians and artists have emerged from St Joseph’s Māori Girls’ College, including Moana Maniapoto and Hinewehi Mohi, both of whom have made significant contributions to New Zealand music.  

Find more on their YouTube page. 

Fr. Chris Skinner SM, is a Marist priest and acclaimed singer-songwriter. Since 1990, he has released over twenty albums of contemporary inspirational Catholic and Christian music, featuring both original compositions and covers. His songs have been recognised for their spiritual depth and have become integral to liturgical celebrations and personal reflection. His work continues to inspire and uplift audiences, fostering a deeper connection to faith through the universal language of music. 

Find the entire collection of Chris Skinner’s contemporary inspirational catholic and Christian music here.  

SingOut4Justice is an initiative by Caritas that uses the power of music to inspire justice and hope. Through song, this project encourages people to reflect on issues of social justice, human rights, and dignity. The music brings together voices for change and resonates with a call to action for a better world. 

Photo by 42 North on Unsplash

Click here to read Part 1 & Part 2 in this series.