Te Ururoa Flavell MP for Waiariki www.waiariki.maori.nz

As I am writing this article my thoughts turn to the tragedy that has struck Christchurch again with the recent earthquake. Kei tewhakaaroahauki a ratou i tenei wa.

If the first month back in the house is anything to go by, 2011 looks to be our busiest year yet. We have such a lot to do! And can I remind you to make sure that you are enrolled to vote for the upcoming elections, check it out at www.elections.org.nz

Before we get to November 26, however, I am really looking forward to the Stan Walker concert tomorrow night.

Positive music messages

Stan was once a constituent, and although now living in Australia, he has friends and whanau not only in Tauranga, but right across Aotearoa. We know that he overcame a number of social difficulties in his childhood, but no matter what road Stan took to get there, he got to that point where he realised being a positive role-model is one of the biggest contributions anyone can give to a community. Hence the consistent messages of hope in his music.

Someone else that comes to mind who is similar is another muso and former Te Puna local, Ria Hall. Ria may not be as well-known as Stan, but she is building up a following of fans for her music. She also uses past experiences to express key messages through her music. Her people are the main benefactors of her success and as if that isn't enough, she's an ambassador for te reo as well, not only speaking fluent reo, but also singing and recording in te reo. She's about to release her first EP so keep an eye out for it!

Incredible influences

Hawaiian reggae band Kolohe Kai are also due here next month. If you're a parent to a teen, you would know how popular they are. I've carried out some research and found out that some of their members are still in high school! No surprise then that one of the main themes of their music is youthful enthusiasm –similar to what Stan and Ria communicate through their music, and definitely what they represent. It's the idea of our young people persevering with enthusiasm.

Having observed my own children over the last few years and their passion for music, I've come to the conclusion that being a musician (especially a popular one) can give you tremendous power. It's the ability to change perspectives, to provide enlightenment and to give meaning to something that people may not have known about. It's an incredible thing – far more power than a politician in my view. I am, in my youthful old age, also influenced by people such as Ria Hall and Stan Walker and the Kolohe Kai band, and I will take their youthful enthusiasm with me on my journey through this action-packed year.

Mauriorakiteaopuoro, maurioraki a tātou katoa.

I welcome your feedback, email: mpwaiariki@parliament.govt.nz phone: 0508 924 274 postal: PO Box 12028 Rotorua 3045.