Armed with a guitar and a lifetime of community focus, Reihana Wallace helps bring people together.
Born and raised in Mosgiel, she said her family always viewed community involvement as important.
"Mum and dad were like that my whole life.
"So once you’re involved in the community, it’s funny if you are not around, if you are not involved."
A project close to her heart is community waiata group Te Whare Tapa Whā o Taiariari.
The group began as a fortnightly gathering about three months ago, and now meets weekly on a Wednesday evening from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Mosgiel Library.
All people are welcome to attend.
"It is not just if you are Maori, it is very inclusive."
The group comprises all ages from the elderly to babies.
"Sometimes the elderly just like to sit and watch, which is cool."
The gathering usually begins with a game to help introduce any new faces.
"We will go around the room and introduce ourselves."
Then there is a karakia (prayer) and some food before beginning to sing.
"It is not just Maori songs, we do Kiwi classics, which is cool, so there is a mix of te reo and English."
Lyrics and tutorials for the waiata are posted to a community Facebook page in advance.
"We are just trying to be as inclusive as we can, and helping people feel comfortable, not being scared about te reo, just taking baby steps.
"It is good to see especially the elderly coming in, it gives them something to do."
Even during the cooler months people had continued to attend.
"We’ve got a strong team and everyone’s really welcoming and it is just a relaxed and chill environment."
People could come as many or a few times as they wanted, with no pressure to commit, Ms Wallace said.
When she was helping lead the group with her guitar, she was following in the footsteps of her father Stan Wallace who was the guitarist of community kapa haka group Te Huinga Rangatahi O Ngā Hau E Wha, based at Arai Te Uru marae.
"So my dad was the guitarist for that group for many, many years since I was a baby.
"So that is where my foundations come from, I believe."
