Rob Thorne

Rob Thorne (Ngāti Tumutumu) is a New Zealand composer and master of taonga pūoro, the traditional Māori instruments whose resonant, earthy tones connect listeners to Aotearoa’s cultural heritage and natural landscapes. Blending ancestral knowledge with modern soundscapes, his work—like *Ake Ake (Mauri Ora)* and *Whāia Te Māramatanga*—weaves haunting flute-like nguru, percussive pūkāea, and rhythmic pūtātara into meditative, genre-defying compositions. Thorne’s releases often reflect themes of environmental reverence and Māori spirituality, as heard in the cinematic textures of *Black Coast Vanishings* and the tranquil layers of *Aurongo / Inner Listening*. Beyond solo work, he collaborates with experimental and ambient artists, bridging tradition and innovation while advocating for the preservation of taonga pūoro as living cultural treasures.

Genres

Experimental

Latest Release

Ake Ake (Mauri Ora)

Rob Thorne•

Delaney Davidson

Single - Released September 18, 2024