RNZ's Waiata 100 poll, released on July 11, 2026, has revealed that 'Poi E' by Pātea Māori Club is New Zealand's number-one song. The 1984 hit, sung entirely in te reo Māori, topped the list in every region except Gisborne, where a different song claimed the top spot.
The poll, which ran from June 21 to July 5, 2026, asked New Zealanders to vote for their favorite waiata (song). Over 150,000 votes were cast, with 'Poi E' receiving the highest overall tally. The song, originally released in 1984, became a cult classic and was re-released in 2016 after featuring in the film 'Boy'.
In Gisborne, the top song was 'Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi', a Māori action song composed by Hirini Melbourne. The region's unique choice highlights local musical preferences, though RNZ did not specify the exact vote counts for each region.
The Waiata 100 list includes a diverse range of songs, from traditional waiata to contemporary pop, reflecting the rich musical heritage of New Zealand. The full list is available on RNZ's website.
