18/07/2026
Neotectonic are devastated to hear of the passing of Robert Wīremu. We fondly remember his warmth, wisdom, and generosity to the choral community across Tāmaki Makaurau - he touched our hearts in so many ways.
Robert was in the audience at our debut concert back in 2021. I fondly remember briefly chatting to him after, though he had to make a swift exit as there was a roast brewing in the oven at home!
Last year we were delighted to perform his arrangement of ‘Hine, e Hine’. In a message exchange Robert said “I’m amused that my arrangement is described as “expansive” when I really REALLY like that it’s cheesy and kitschy. It was designed to do two things: 1. To fix the scansion of the word “matua”; and 2. To be lush like cheese sauce toasted under the grill. I never really thought of it as expansive, but I’ll prepare to have my opinion changed.”
At our anniversary concert tomorrow, we will close with Te Puoho Katene’s ‘Te Aroha’, dedicated to Robert.
Thank you Robert. Moi mai rā.
- Blake Scanlen
Pictured: Robert conducting the nine-choir super-chorus in Matariki He Kāhui Reo: World Choir Games, at Holy Trinity Cathedral, July 2024.
