RNZ launches new platform for rangatahi

10:51 am on 1 December 2021

RNZ has this morning unveiled a new digital platform for rangatahi, sharing the music, stories and culture of Aotearoa.

One of the focuses of the new platform, TAHI, will be music, with content playing through an online stream, live performances featured, and Spotify playlists available.

The stream aims to feature a wide variety of genres that rangatahi enjoy, and with at least 40 percent being local.

Artists on the TAHI playlist at launch include Baynk, BENEE, CHAII, Church & AP, JessB, Mikey Dam, Muroki, Paige, Reuben Fleetwood and SACHI. (You can check out the full list of new releases in rotation on The TAHI List.)

In a statement, music scheduler Harrison Pali said it would feature young and new artists as well as established acts from around the world.

"We think that the best type of music is made when an artist creates their own authentic sound, so you won't just hear radio bangers on TAHI.

"Our audience research showed that rangatahi are passionate about lots of different music genres and artists, TAHI will play and highlight all kinds of music, especially local."

TAHI is also on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook.

Singer and rapper Kingdon Chapple-Wilson, known professionally as Kings.

Singer and rapper Kingdon Chapple-Wilson, known professionally as Kings. Photo: RNZ

Video and audio

Next year, TAHI will start sharing commissioned podcasts and videos produced by rangatahi alongside professionals.

The topics include everything from dating and parties, to whakapapa and social netball.

TAHI digital journalist Evie Orpe said the first commissions include a mix of projects focusing on topics young people care about.

"I'm really excited that TAHI will be creating work opportunities for young content makers, as well as playing and profiling musicians through the stream and playlists."

Video series set to feature on TAHI soon include The Citizen's Handbook, The Barber Shop, Amplified, ConspiraSeries, Duality, Here If You Need, and I Got You.

If you are looking to get involved as a content maker, you can find more information here.

The TAHI team also consists of videographer Rob Burrowes, Nathaniel Howe (Ngāti Wai) who helped set up the content strategy and language plan, and RNZ commissioner for rangatahi, Māori and Pacific content Jodhi Hoani.