Big Belly Woman Profiles

Karen Browne
(Ngai Tuhoe, Ngati Wai, NgaPuhi)

Karen has a classical music background with an affinity for reggae music.
She plays piano, keys, bass guitar, drums, percussions and features on backing vocals.

Her lyrics are thought provoking and present a distinct political analysis on life.
Her compositions are out of the ordinary and have an air of sophistication that denotes maturity.

Karen has worked within her local marae, kohanga reo and the community of Ruatoki for over 10 years and was instrumental in establishing the “Tuhoe Embassy” in Taneatua.

Karen is pursuing her musical and Film career and caring for her son Te Ikaroa O Te Rangi and now lives in Rawene Hokianga.

Karen is very active in the community and sits on The Board of Trustees, Te Maungarongo Cathy Pelly Trust

Mahina - Ina Kaui
(Kaitahu, Ngati Porou, Ngati Raukawa and the list goes on…)

Denis Welch, Arts Editor for The Listener from the Hone Tuwhare Poetry and music Tour 2002, said that Mahina was ‘The divinely voiced singer’. Mahina is the lead vocals for the band Big Belly Woman and Koruatahi. She has featured in the Bay of Islands Jazz Festivals and Whangarei Jazz Festivals.

The Oyster Fests several times and is a talented recording artist and composer. Mahina co- produced and the CD album ‘Dance With The Wind’ – Te Karakia. This album was nominated as a finalist in the 2001 NZ Music Tui Awards, the album, ‘Dignity – Ko Tapu Au, Tu Rangatira’. She has also co-produced and features on, ’Pacific Curls – Mothers’ Line and Planet Woman’s – Reeling in the Pacific’.

Mahina is an accomplished player of Taonga Puoro ‘Koauau and Nguru’. She has presented many workshops that combine modern influences with traditional sounds, movement and vocals.

Mahina now lives in Auckland and is very active in Playback Theatre (member of Tiaho and an Auckland based group, Kaingarua and Auckland Playback Theatre Co.) and has initiated community youth programmes and various other programmes. Mahina was born in Christchurch and has strong links in the local Maaori community through organizations in Health, Govt. Departments, Women’s groups and the private sector.
She has broadcasting background in radio and Iwi radio. (Mahina was the first station manager for Ngai Tahu Iwi radio - Te Reo Iriraki Ki Otautahi. Now is Tahu FM)
She has worked at flax root level as a Youth worker, Maaori Health worker and a Women’s Refuge Manager/ Coordinator.

Her compositions reflect her passion for life, the environment, life experiences and global issues that are affecting all nations of the world. She also writes about emotions and the affairs of the heart.

Dion Kuka
(Ngai-Te- Rangi)

Dion has worked in the music industry for over 15 years and has a wealth of experience. Dion has played along side many well known New Zealand and overseas artists eg. UB40, Herbs, The Pink Flamingo’s, Peking Man, Ardijah, The Holidaymakers, The Narcs and other groups.

Dion has worked locally with youth at risk and as a kapa haka kaiako for the Rawene School. He currently lives in Rawene.

Dion features on, ‘Dance with the wind – Te Karakia’ and ‘Dignity – Ko Tapu Au, Tu Rangatira’, playing Drums, Bass Guitar and Guitar.

Lloyd Latimer
(NgaPuhi)

Lloyd lives in Horeke, Hokianga. Lloyd has been in the performing Arts and the music and film industry for over 20 years. Lloyd has played in numerous bands as a drummer or percussionist. He has taught many students of the drama and music courses at Rawene Polytechnic over the past 10 years and has his own video cameras and editing suite at home.

Lloyd currently works as a cameraman and editor. Lloyd features on both Big Belly Woman’s albums playing drums.

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