Recorded Music NZ has announced the appointment of Sarah Owen (Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata) as Kairangaranga, effective immediately. Sarah will take on the newly created role while retaining her position as Kaiwhakahaere for the Aotearoa Music Awards.

Recorded Music has created the role of Kairangaranga as part of its commitment to integrating te ao Māori throughout the organisation. Sarah’s dedication to the promotion of kaupapa Māori and music in the awards space, combined with her involvement in the Māori Music Industry Coalition (MMIC), makes her the obvious choice for this important mahi.

In her role as Kairangaranga, Sarah will support Recorded Music to navigate its journey to a deeper understanding of te ao Māori, and its place in an authentic and thriving workplace in Aotearoa. This will include working collaboratively with Recorded Music staff, Board, members and partners across the music community.

Sarah was a driving force behind the rebrand of the NZ Music Awards as the Aotearoa Music Awards, and is excited to contribute towards the growth, future, and support of Māori within the music community of Aotearoa through her expanded role.

“I am humbled by this offer,” she says. “It is an honour to have the opportunity to promote and uphold the values of te ao Māori within Recorded Music NZ and the wider music community. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues, and in collaboration with our partner organisations, to create a more inclusive and culturally rich industry.” 

Recorded Music CEO Jo Oliver adds that, “This a transformational role that will support the organisation in taking authentic steps to ensure that the views of Māori are represented and intertwined in the highest level of our decision-making. We are excited to have Sarah take on this new role, and look forward to seeing the positive impact she will continue to have on the wider industry.” 

The name Kairangaranga, was coined by Ricky-Lee Mitai (Te Whakatōhea) of Māori concept and creative studio HAUMI – the organisation that also contributed to the AMA rebrand. The name has its origins in the word ‘rangaranga’, which means to lead from all sides, and from within. Kairangaranga denotes an individual that identifies opportunity, and safely guides the organisation through obstacles and opportunities.

As Kaiwhakahaere for the Aotearoa Music Awards, Sarah will continue to lead the event and ensure that it remains a platform for celebrating the best of music in Aotearoa.

Please join us in congratulating Sarah on her new role and wishing her all the best in her continued work with AMA.

Please direct enquiries to info@recordedmusic.co.nz