Mr Paka

Mr Paka is the artist name of Māori guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer Puri “Tui” Paekau. Born in Auckland and now based in Brisbane, Tui has spent more than four decades making music across New Zealand and Australia.

His musical roots run through Motown, soul, blues, funk and reggae—music built on groove, melody and feeling. From his early bands in New Zealand to live stages across Australia, he has developed a style that is seasoned, soulful and unmistakably his own.

Today, Tui performs guitar and vocals with Big Mama and the Sexy Soul Band while continuing to release original music as Mr Paka. In the studio, he writes and produces under the name Awhiro—the creative identity behind his songs, arrangements and ideas.

For Mr Paka, music has never been about chasing trends. It is about telling honest stories, creating connection and making people feel something. Whether he is performing live, writing a new song or shaping a track in the studio, every note carries a little history and a lot of heart.

Welcome to the world of Mr Paka.