Waiata Mai Vocal Coaching

Vocal training infused with aroha, voice science and the transformative power of waiata.

Looking for excellent vocal training and resources?

Imagine your team standing confidently together and singing waiata. That's what I can give you.
My Waiata Workshops blend voice training and vocal science with the beauty and power of waiata.
Learn quick pronunciation hacks for Te Reo and develop the confidence to sing waiata in the workplace!
Did you know that when we sing together, our hearts literally beat in sync? This powerful connection makes learning and singing waiata an exceptional team-building experience.
It's also an excellent way to build confidence in speaking Te Reo Māori!
I'd love to kōrero (talk) about how I can support your team.
More info here!
Support your kaimahi (staff) with all the resources they need to become confident to use waiata in their every day work.
Resources can include:
- Recordings of your chosen waiata
- Backing tracks
- Pronunciation videos
- Lyrics in Te Reo with English translations
- Waiata ā-ringa videos/ actions for the action songs
- Vocal training videos
More info here!
Keen for your very own company waiata?
I write bespoke waiata that reflect the core values of your company.
I also provide all the necessary resources to help your kaimahi (staff) to learn the waiata.
Resources include:
- A recording of the waiata
- A backing track
- Lyrics in Te Reo with the English translation
- Actions (if appropriate for the song)
- In person training sessions to learn the waiata (within Auckland)
Let’s kōrero about what type of waiata you want for your company.

Launching in February 2025: Wāhine Waiata!
Become confident to use your voice to waiata, karanga and karakia with Wāhine Waiata, a community of like minded women reclaiming their reo (voice)!
Have you wanted to confidently join in with waiata or lead a waiata tautoko but never had the courage to try?
Have you been told that you can't sing, or shouldn't sing? But secretly want to give it a go?
Then this community is for you!
Wāhine Waiata Includes:
- Exclusive access to the Wāhine Waiata Community Facebook page
- 50+ training videos
- 6 live Master classes via Zoom with Hinekoia
More info here
Do you get hoarse during training or often lose your voice after wānanga?
Do you lack breath control and find it difficult to hold long phrases?
Do you want to learn how to project your voice?
Do you want more vocal control?
Voice Training for Kapa haka is a workshop that focuses specifically on voice use in a Kapa haka context.
We break ALL the vocal myths and provide practical vocal exercises and vocal solutions for long standing vocal problems inside te ao haka.
Get your rōpū vocally ready to take on the competition with expert voice training, specifically for Kapa haka!
More info here!
Launching in July 2025: Online Vocal Training
Let's break those vocal myths and learn how your voice actually works (voice science) and how you can get the BEST out of it!
This course is suitable for 13 years +
Includes:
· Access to the online course (50+) videos
· Live Master classes via Zoom
· Discounts to in-person Waiata workshops
Discover the secrets of vocal technique, learn how to protect and strengthen your voice, and build confidence in your singing and speaking abilities!"

Ko wai au? Who am I?

Kia ora, ko Hinekoia tōku ingoa.

Hi, my name is Hinekoia. I’m from Ngāti Hine, Whakatōhea, and Ngāti Awa, and I’ve been a vocal coach and performer for over 20 years. Singing and sharing my love for voice have always been my passions, and they’ve led me to create Waiata Mai Vocal Coaching—a business where I get to combine my love for vocal coaching and te ao Māori.

At Waiata Mai, it’s all about creating an āhuru mōwai—a safe, supportive space where people can grow their vocal skills and confidence while connecting with te reo Māori through waiata.

I work with all sorts of clients, from Corporates like Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Auckland City Libraries and Tāmaki Regeneration to kura including St Cuthberts College, St Kentigern College and Henderson High.

Whether you’re an individual singer, or part of a kapa haka team (I’ve worked with groups competing at Te Matatini such as Te Taha Tū and Te Ringa Kaha!), my goal is to help you find your voice and feel amazing using it.

I’m proud to say I’m one of only four people in Aotearoa qualified as an Estill Master Trainer. Estill is a science-based approach to vocal coaching that works for all kinds of singing, from kapa haka to pop, and even helps with public speaking.

I’m a bit of a voice nerd (okay, a total one), and when I’m not coaching, I’m usually watching kapa haka, learning te reo Māori, baking or having a jam my whānau. Let’s make some magic together!