Friday saw the first day of May and you know what that means: NZ Music Month is now officially underway.

Since it began back in 2000, NZ Music Month has evolved from encouraging radio stations to play more local tunes, to what is now a 31 day celebration of homegrown talent across the country.

NZ Music Month: an annual 31 day celebration of Kiwi music and artists. Image: NZ Music Commission

NZ Music Month manager Simon Woods says the annual promotion exists to celebrate our music makers and their creations.

'It's a thirty-one day cultural celebration where you will find local music coming through the nation's speakers, online and in venues, clubs and community spaces across the country.”

Now into its 15th year, there are more shows in NZ Music Month than ever before.

NZ Music Commission chief executive Cath Andersen says this is a great reflection of the volume of talent and music there is right across the country.

'We hope people all over New Zealand get out to see local music this May.”

NZ Music Month is supported by a number of organisations including: NZ On Air, Recorded Music New Zealand, APRA, The Music Managers Forum, and the Radio Broadcasters Association.

This hack journo loves music, and especially Kiwi music. ‘But why is this?' you might be asking.

In two words: Little Bushman.

They are in my top ten all-time bands, regardless of nationality, with tunes flavoured with a pinch of progressive rock, a splash of psychedelic, a hint of jazz, and -generous lashings of wairua – soul.

Making up the band are Rick Cranson on drums, Tom Callwood on bass and his brother Joe Callwood on guitar, with Warren Maxwell singing while either playing keys or guitar.

They have four albums under their belt: The Onus of Sand, Pendulum, Live in Concert with the NZSO and Te Oranga.

Little Bushman, from left: Joe Callwood, Warren Maxwell, Rick Cranson and Tom Callwood. Photo: Little Bushman/Facebook

The track Peaceful Man from their second album Pendulum best exemplifies my love for Kiwi music.

The song speaks of Parihaka: a small settlement established at the foot of Taranaki Maunga sometime around 1856, that was led by the prophets Tohu Kaakahi and Te Whiti o Rongomai.

At a time when Maori and Paakehaa relations were tense and often violent, the prophets preached passive-resistance: show aroha to your enemies while standing steadfast to your beliefs.

My father was born in Parihaka, as was his father. I have grown up with the stories of the prophets, of their teachings, of the people's mana, of their resistance, of the November 5 invasion in 1881.

When I first purchased Little Bushman's Pendulum I had a little tangi (cry) when the track Peaceful Man wafted into the air from the speakers.

‘They's singing about Parihaka!' I thought, beaming with pride. It is a story so close to mine and my whaanau heart, but is not as well known in Aotearoa.

Then here comes Little Bushman singing about it!

That is why I love Kiwi music: it is a beautiful vehicle to share our stories with each other – it is our voice singing to the rest of the world.

We have so many great bands here in Tauranga, way too many to list here, but I guarantee you, they'll be out there gigging their butts off even when May is done and dusted – so why not head out and catch their shows? At an average of $5 to $10 a ticket for a two-hour minimum show, it's almost highway robbery.

And while May has been chosen for this annual celebration, every month can be NZ Music Month.

Do you have a favourite Kiwi musical artist or memory? Are you a Kiwi solo-artist or band and want to tell us about your music or upcoming gigs? Post your comments below.

To learn more about NZ Music Month visit: www.nzmusicmonth.co.nz or www.facebook.com/NZMusicMonth

Watch Little Bushman live with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra perform Peaceful Man: