From a young age, Brendon Tumai has been surrounded by a good family environment; the love of his parents has led him to follow in the footsteps of an environment full of respect and values for life.
As a grandfather and father, he knows that education is a fundamental part of human growth, in addition, to seeking alternatives to develop as a professional.
Tumai, originally from New Zealand, opens his heart to let us delve into his musical world, as well as his work as an engineer and one of the most important facets of his life: supporting the legacy of Waikare Marae.
In an exclusive interview for perlarico.com we will discover, Brendon Tumai, the engineer and musician who supports the Maori legacy.
1. Thank you for the interview. Tell us a little about your childhood.
Tumai: I had a very good childhood. I grew up in Stokes Valley, which gave me a strong sense of community and stability. It was a peaceful upbringing where most of my time was spent going to school, being around friends, and just enjoying the simplicity of life as a kid. Looking back, those early years really shaped who I am today — they grounded me, taught me values, and gave me a solid foundation to build on.
Stokes Valley is a residential area located in New Zealand, known as a quiet, family-friendly area with a mix of older homes that also offer amenities such as schools and parks. When asked to describe himself, he said,
“I am a good person, I am trustworthy.”
Brendon Tumai, Music composer, engineer and member of Waikare Marae.
“I’m naturally a quiet individual, more on the reserved side, but I’m also loyal, trustworthy, and dependable. I do things with intention and care, and I’ve always been someone people can count on. I don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room; I let my actions, my work, and my integrity speak for me.”
2. How did your passion for music begin?
Tumai: My passion for music started when I was about 12 years old. I was drawn to sound in all its forms — I loved beatboxing, playing the guitar, and experimenting on the drums. Music became a natural outlet for me, something that felt exciting and expressive. In 1999, when I was 20, I decided to take it further and enrolled in music school for a year. That’s where I learned how to use Logic, a beat-making and production program, and it opened a whole new world for me. It allowed me to turn my ideas into real tracks and set me on the path of producing and composing.
From a very young age he knew that his destiny would be marked by sounds and instruments to achieve the fusion of musical tracks by fusing technology, without imagining that he would arrive at “Woodcut Music” a music production company in New Zealand.
This company creates original music and offers sound services for TV, film and advertising, using the ancient technique of printing musical scores using carved wooden blocks.
3. Tell us about “I Stay Walking and Capped”
Tumai: “Capped” is one of my most successful instrumentals and a track that really represents my sound. It’s been featured on the TV programme “Both Worlds” and has appeared in several other television projects as well. Seeing something I created being used in mainstream media was a big moment for me — it showed me that my music could reach people beyond my own circle and could stand on its own in professional spaces.
Tumai has shown that his passion for music has led him to develop great musical pieces, without forgetting that as a maintenance engineer he is leaving his mark on his community.
4. The way you blend Hip Hop is interesting. How do you merge your career as a music engineer and composer?
Tumai: Engineering has always been a core part of who I am. I studied engineering in Wellington from 1996 to 1998, completing both BMETS and CMETS. That technical background taught me how sound works on a deeper level and gave me skills that I still rely on today. When I mix engineering with composing Hip Hop, it becomes this perfect balance between creativity and precision. The engineering side keeps me grounded and focused, while the music side keeps me inspired. Together, they keep me busy, motivated, and constantly evolving in what I do.
It is worth mentioning, initially, Brendon Tumai pursued an engineering course at the Wainuiomata Foundation. Later, he enrolled at Petone Polytechnic.
In the year 1995, worked as a technician at Brian Perry Engineering from 2000 to 2003, contributing to the construction of Riverside Lanes at Sky City Casino in Hamilton, served as the Chief Engineer for his uncle’s company from 2003 to 2015.
5. What is the group Waikare Marae?
Tumai: Waikare Marae is everything to me. It’s my home base, my cultural anchor, and the place that keeps me connected to who I am and where I come from. It’s not just a location — it’s a community, a legacy, and a source of strength. Being part of Waikare Marae gives me a sense of belonging that nothing else compares to.
One of the important activities that Brendon Tumai carries out is supporting the legacy of the Waikare Marae community, where a Maori sovereignty movement is developing in a political and social environment that seeks to affirm the rights and autonomy of the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand. Tumai emphasize,
“The Marae is like my castle — a place of protection, identity, and grounding. It represents history, family, and the values passed down through generations. Whenever I’m there, I feel centred. It’s a space where I can reconnect, reset, and remind myself of the things that truly matter. The marae isn’t just a building; it’s a significant part of my life story.”
6. To whom do you dedicate your career?
Tumai: I dedicate my entire career to my mum and dad. They’ve always supported me, believed in me, and encouraged me to follow my passions. Everything I’ve achieved, and everything I’m still working toward, is a reflection of their love and guidance. This journey is for them.
Thank you Brendon Tumai for this great learning experience that you have shared with us through this interview, about your community in New Zealand and the musical sounds you create.
Follow Brendon Tumai’s journey over at all of his social facebook and listen his music here.
