Rhonda Bryers (–2007) was a New Zealand singer of Māori descent. During her career, she achieved similar levels of popularity to that of Sir Howard Morrison, John Rowles and Frankie Stevens, eventually becoming regarded as New Zealand's top entertainer, known as 'The Voice of New Zealand'.Manawa - Pacific Heartbeat: A Celebration of Contemporary Maori and Northwest Coast Art, Nigel Reading, Gary Wyatt Page 16
Early life and family Bryers was born in Taumarunui to rugby player Ron Bryers and Betty. Her first husband was professional wrestler Jock Ruddock who was also her manager.The Dominion Post, 05/10/2007 Show-stopping 'Queen of the South Pacific' diesStuff, January 31, 2009 - NZ singer Rhonda Bryers dies in Hawaii
Career In 1972 Bryers was the first recipient of the Marie D'Albini Scholarship at the Conservatorium of Music at the University of Auckland, where she was taught by Charles Nalden, Peter Godfrey and Derek Williams. Bryers went on to study Opera under Dame Sister Mary Leo, a genre in which she enjoyed success. In 1981, during the Royal Variety Performance, singer John Rowles introduced her as the "Voice of New Zealand". Bryers went on to win the New Zealand Entertainer of the Year Award in 1984, which had previously been won by Sir Howard Morrison, Billy T James and Prince Tui Teka. Her version of "Pokarekare Ana" appears on the 1981 CBS various artists album The Mauri Hikitia, which also featured Deane Waretini, Ken Kincaid, the Lightwood family, and the Tri Lites.National Library of New Zealand The Mauri Hikitia album (sound recording) / various artists.Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision (New Zealand's Sound & Vision Archive) The Mauri Hikitia album / various artists
After emigrating to Australia, Bryers was nominated 5 times for "Australian Female Entertainer of the Year".
In 1989 Bryers made her debut in Hawaii with a three-week engagement at the Monarch Room of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Honolulu, and became known thereafter as "Queen of the South Pacific". Another venue where she proved successful was the Dole Cannery Ballroom at Iwilei.The Honolulu Advertiser, October 3, 2007 Obituaries, Entertainer Rhonda was 'an incredible talent' Death She died in Honolulu in September 2007 of a suspected heart attack, aged 55 after suffering from a flu-related virus. She was survived by her partner Rick Bench and her two sons, Scott and John.Stuff, January 31, 2009 - NZ singer Rhonda Bryers dies in Hawaii
Discography + Albums Title Release info Year F Notes The Voice of New Zealand CBS SBP 237551 1980 LPNational Library of New Zealand The voice of New Zealand / Rhonda From New Zealand With Love - A Collection Of The Finest Maori Songs Philips LP 6456 012 1980 LP Pearls RCA VPL1 0489 1983 LPDiscogs Rhonda Bryers
+ Various artist compilation appearances Title Release info Year Track(s) F Notes The Mauri Hikitia CBS 1981 "Pokarekare Ana" LPNational Library of New Zealand The Mauri Hikitia album (sound recording) / various artists. Kiwi Country Music World CD-PLAT-442 2010 New Zealand Trilogy:"Pokarekare Ana" / "Now Is The Hour" / "God Defend New Zealand" CDDiscogs Various – Kiwi Country
References
External links
Photo of Rhonda Bryers at Te Papa