Whether having a night out with friends or on a romantic date, The Civic’s intimate and classy Wintergarden is a great place to spend some money on the bar while listening to great music.  

I’ve headed along there for the opening night of The Modern Māori Quartet’s latest show, MMQ: Garage Party, and it is a real privilege. MMQ comprises Matariki Whatarau, Maaka Pohatu, Francis Kora and, on this occasion, Tom Knowles, and all four have talent, charm and an emotional intelligence that pours out if them during their cabaret style performance. 

We must remember that before this year of COVID-19, MMQ had spent their past couple touring the world to international acclaim. Unlike Flight of the Conchords and The Laughing Samoans, who initially had to head abroad to find traction, MMQ have had a consistent Kiwi following which has now been enhanced by their international success. There is no tall poppy syndrome here.

The moment they step on stage, MMQ deliver charm and professionalism as they host their ‘garage party’ in this beautiful Moorish revival-themed basement. Opposing forces are at play here; a garage party in the Civic’s Wintergarden is a juxtaposition for sure, yet it lends a hand in elevating the show. Who would have thought that while in the Wintergarden you could feel like you’re in a garage? There is power in the fact that the Modern Māori Quartet, as live performers, can translate a space such as this, and they do so with charisma, humour and of course, their beautiful voices.

Biculturalism is deftly handled in the first half. Tom Knowles – the Pākehā character among the other Māori members of the quartet – is the butt of jokes about his differing etiquette at this Māori garage party, but it is done kindly, politely and comedically. Despite his late arrival, the other boys want him to win and to experience a quintessential Aotearoa garage party.

Though they are a Māori quartet who inherently believe in Te Ao Māori, this MMQ team use their story telling platform to transcend this and revel in what it means to be human, but always with that beautiful brown Māori flair than Aotearoa desperately needs more of. Yes, they tackle hard issues like racial inequality, but they do it with humour and care; their transcendent power of waiata creating a positive and inclusive community.

Dynamite in their dynamic song and song-era choices, MMQ instantly make their audience want to sing along and kanikani. I don’t want to give too much of the playlist or story line away here, rather I urge you to get along and experience their magic unfold in real time. It’s the kind of magic that pulls on the heart strings of nostalgia, no matter your age or history or discography. Nostalgia is key to this show and unites us in our everyday whānau and the parties we manaaki. 

On opening night we are lucky enough to witness Maaka Pohatu serenade his beautiful mana wahine and love of his life through song and romantic gestures that aren’t cheesy. He shows us his affection with trust in his own performance, and a gentleness and intimacy which is hard to find when 100 odd people are intently watching you; again a testament to the MMQ as truly world class performers. Christmas songs come off the back of this moment and we are reminded again what it means to belong.

These boys are also dynamic in their relationship with each other, their sound and management crew, the audience and the bar staff. This show is all about inclusivity, which is made all the more special when we think about the lockdowns of this Covid-19 year. As 2020 draws to an end, our community is cautiously craving each other’s company. We don’t know when we could be shunted back into Level 2, 3 or 4 again, so while we are able to go out and see live events like this, we absolutely should. Much like garage parties of old, which are so fun they are still going when the birds start chirping and a new day dawns, you don’t want this show to end.

So, if you do one thing this side of 2021, let the Modern Māori Quartet show you that this bizarre year can end on a high note. MMQ: Garage Party is joyous, fun, encompassing, elevating and world class. Trust me, you won’t regret it – just be easy on Tom if he doesn’t get it. I mean, there’s always that one guy at a garage party right?

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