Join Te Waka Huia for the final Kotahitanga event featuring a collaborative response to He Kura Toi Tangata  from Wellington taonga Riki Gooch and Bennett Pomana.   

Be prepared for textured sound and thought gymnastics with Riki on the drums and Bennett on the mic, closing out the series with one epic jam from these two legends.  

5:30pm Doors open, bar open 
6pm Artist response begins 
6:30pm Interval 
6:45pm Artist Q&A 
7pm Closing Karakia and time to explore He Kura Toi Tangata exhibition 
8pm Bar closes, event ends 

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About Riki Gooch 

Dr Riki Neihana Gooch lives in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa. His work spans multiple disciplines, including composition, performance, sound art, production, and academic research. He has led and conducted large-scale ensemble projects, performed in a wide range of collaborative settings, and created work for both recorded and live contexts. His ongoing projects include solo and group performances, conduction ensembles, DJ sets, and sound-based installations. He is also involved in cultural leadership and mentorship roles, holding wānanga and contributing to intergenerational knowledge exchange within the arts. 

About Bennett Pomana 

Bennett Pomana (Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri) is a musician raised in Upper Hutt, with roots in Tūranganui-a-Kiwa. A longtime contributor to Aotearoa’s hip hop legacy, he has been part of pioneering groups including Upper Hutt Posse and Dam Native. His work is deeply influenced by his Māori identity, drawing inspiration from whakapapa, lived experience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice and expression through sound. 

This event has been developed by Te Waka Huia Wellington Museum and is presented in collaboration with our programme partner Kāhui Legal.