A woman with long dark hair sings into a microphone on stage. Text on the image reads "HINA" and "Ko wai tēnei?", with colorful flowers and decorative graphics on a textured background.
Amy Boroevich aka HINA. (Image: Supplied).

ĀteaNovember 29, 2025

Ko wai tēnei: Māori singer-songwriter HINA

Ātea editor
A woman with long dark hair sings into a microphone on stage. Text on the image reads "HINA" and "Ko wai tēnei?", with colorful flowers and decorative graphics on a textured background.
Amy Boroevich aka HINA. (Image: Supplied).

Ko wai tēnei? is a series profiling inspirational Māori in Aotearoa and beyond. Today, we get to know songwriter Amy Boroevich aka HINA.

Hina is the creative mantle of Tāmaki Makaurau songwriter Amy Boroevich (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Raukawa), whose genre-fluid blend of folk, rock, soul, and reo Māori has earned widespread acclaim. Her independent projects Muse and Omen drew praise from Happy Mag and Rolling Stone – the latter calling Omen a “masterclass in emotional world-building” and her single Hinātore “transcendent.” With charting singles, an international sync on Home & Away, and features across major outlets, HINA is fast becoming one of Aotearoa’s most compelling new voices.

Ko wai koe? Nō hea koe?

I’m an artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau, releasing music under the moniker HINA. He uri nō Te Rarawa ki Hokianga me Ngāti Raukawa ki Hōkio.

What’s the kaupapa that drives you right now?

I’m currently in the throes of finishing my debut album. I’m so grateful for all the love and care that has been poured into it by many hands. It truly takes a village, and I hope to do my village proud.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Accept what is, release what was, have faith in what will be.

What’s a moment you’re really proud of?

I’m quietly quite proud of my recent performances with the Exploding Rainbow Orchestra. It felt like I really said it with my chest. I’m even more proud of the second and third nights, if you want to get specific with it. Just classic first night nerves though.

A woman in a white dress stands in a doorway. Overlaid are three colored boxes with the Māori phrase "Ko Wai Tēnei?" in red, green, and gray. The background features abstract patterns and small flower illustrations.
Amy Boroevich aka HINA. (Image: Supplied).

What does success look like to you?

Playing bigger and bigger shows. Making better and better albums. Exploring everywhere. Staying in love forever. Looking after my parents as they get older. Raising my children with te reo Māori as their first language. A 1979 Chevrolet K-10 Silverado.

Who are three people you admire and why?

I’m so lucky to be surrounded by hugely admirable and inspiring friends and family both past and present that I adore, so to avoid favouritism I’m going to say Tāme Iti, Tamatha Paul, and Samuel Leason.

What keeps you grounded?

The ocean, writing, family, rush hour traffic.

What’s one whakaaro you want to leave our readers with?

A few words from Nick Cave: Rigidity breaks; flexibility endures.

A black-and-white photo of a woman in a formal dress looking upward, with “Ko Wai Tēnei?” written in red, green, and gray text boxes layered over the image.
Amy Boroevich aka HINA. (Image: Supplied).

What would your ultimate other career choice be?

Astronaut, ballerina, cowboy, abseil window cleaner.

Finally – what’s something about you most people don’t know?

I’m totally obsessed with my twice-yearly microsuction appointments. If I won Lotto, I’d get it done every week.

HINA is performing at The Others Way festival on Karangahape Road today. Tickets are available here.

Ātea