Rawiri Kapa-Hakeney of Marian School in Hamilton

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Singout4Justice 2011 winner

Rawiri Kapa-Hakeney from Hamilton was the winner of our 2011 Singout4Justice competition, with his song, What's it all been for?

Watch the video:

Our judge Don McGlashan says this about the song:

A great vocal performance with a simple strong idea. The story structure is basic but strong. There's some anger and strength, originality and confidence, which is why I like it a lot. Here's a songwriter that's taken the brief, and decided to make the song feel like a call to action, rather than a melancholy sigh.

In the competition, Year 7 to 10 students were invited to write a song on environmental justice linking to the Caritas Lenten theme 'United by our common humanity'. Thanks to all those who entered – we had a number of high quality entries but there can only be one winner! Of the entries in general, Don says:

It's really exciting to hear young people working so confidently with verses, choruses and arrangements. I was really encouraged by the quality of these entries. Every one of these song writers has the potential to go on to write strong, unique songs that can capture an audience, deal effectively with important issues, and sound like they come from this country. It seems like the future of music here is in good hands!

Rawiri won $500 in music vouchers and a Caritas “Love in Action” Gift of his choice. He also received a Singout4Justice winner's certificate, and all other entrants receive a participant's certificate.

Runner up for the 2011 Singout 4 Justice competition was Rebecca Toimata of Thorndon school, Wellington. Listen to her song, The Climate's Changing here.