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Aotearoa musician aims for Amazon adventure

Help Rob Thorne go from Palmerston North to Peru

Palmerston North’s Rob Thorne (Ngati Tumutumu), a maker and performer of traditional Maori musical  instruments, has just been offered a learning opportunity of a lifetime – to spend time  working with indigenous shaman in the Peruvian Amazon.  He is hoping that community  spirit, via crowdfunding website pozible.com, will help get him there. Rob performs and collaborates regularly with musicians around Aotearoa and is releasing an album on Rattle Records later this year. “I see this journey not just as a chance  to develop my own experience as a musician, social anthropologist, a Maori, and practicing  healer,” say Rob “but importantly to share new knowledge and music around Aotearoa and  beyond.”

The campaign to help Rob with $2,640 flight costs was started on Sunday 24 March and runs for 32 days on pozible.com. By the end of the first day nearly  20% had been raised. “That’s a truly wonderful start” says Rob “it is humbling that people  are being so generous, but I really do need their help to get there. This dream opportunity  came out of the blue and time is unfortunately short, especially in regard to securing well  priced flights. That is why I am crowd-funding. The total cost of the trip is closer to $5,000  but I’m only asking for help with the flights.” While people can donate without receiving anything, Rob is offering a range of ‘rewards’ depending on the contribution. “I don’t expect help for nothing in return, so during  my travels I will create various rewards for supporters.” says Rob. “These include a personalised copy of my travel journal, a self produced CD of Amazonian sounds recorded on the trip, and a postcard sent from Peru.”

To find out more or support Rob’s  Amazon adventure visit www.pozible.com and search for “Rob Thorne” or "Palmerston North".

Media - for more information, interviews and images contact:

Rob Thorne, Phone 06 354 9443 / 021 326 454 / Email robthorne@xtra.co.nz