'Music is the only way to get it out': The inspiration behind Rotorua students' protest song
Students from Rotorua Boys' High School created a protest song titled 'Boogie Man's Disguise' to advocate for the respect of Māori culture. The song was inspired by a controversy involving the unauthorized use of a Māori kuia's image on a billboard.
Why it matters
The story highlights how youth use creative arts to engage with social justice issues and cultural identity in New Zealand.
Kōtahi Te Rā’ s song ‘Boogie Man's Disguise’ speaks to the importance of respecting Māori culture and calls for rangatahi Māori to stand proud of who they are.
Checkpoint 18 August 2026 5 min read Caption: Kōtahi Te Rā (from left) Te Ariki Rogers, Wepiha Webster, Teuamairangi Webster-Tarei, Te Rauna Webster-Tarei & Te Irimana Hatu Edmonds Huriwai. Photo credit: Supplied/Dave Thomson Five students from Rotorua Boys’ High are set to release their protest song that secured them a top spot at the Smokefree Tangata Beats competition last year.
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