Our Duffy Hero – Tipene Harmer

Te Mahia School tamariki were lucky to have a visit from Tipene Harmer, our Duffy Hero this term. Tipene Harmer is of Ngati Kahungunu descent, was raised in Flaxmere and is now producing music full time. In 2012 his single ‘West Side Hori’ was released, landing him a deal with Empire Records.

Tipene spoke about reading wasDr Seuss books helped. He liked how the words rhymed and flowed, his favourites being ‘The Cat in the Hat’ and ‘Green Eggs and Ham’. At the age of 9 he started song writing and his passion for rapping grew from there. Tipene did some beat boxing with the tamariki, and selected four students to make the sounds of a snare, kick, and hi hat drum using their voices. The tamariki had fun and the room was filled with lots of laughter.

Tipene’s dream was to become a rapper and travel the world. He has achieved his dream and his songs are off the hook! Tipene shared his experiences of New York City where rapping and hiphop music began. I think some tamariki want to go to New York now. Early this year Tipene was presented the Te Iti Kahurangi award for demonstrating strong, kaupapa-driven leadership and is an inspiration to rangatahi. Dreams can come true and Tipene has risen above all challenges thrown his way to succeed in the Music industry.

Thanks for the visit Tipene!