Fusion Evolution

When hip hop meets haka and creates a unique fusion of culture and dance all within the setting of Toyota’s latest SUV – the C-HR – our social media fans became engaged and voted them winners in the #YOUARECHR campaign.

The Rotorua-based Kapa Haka Hip Hop fusion group Toka Tū won the all-new C-HR in Toyota’s recent #YOUARECHR social media campaign.  #YOUARECHR  aimed to find individuals or groups that were as interesting and unique as the Toyota C-HR, the latest addition to Toyota’s SUV range.

Each contestant was able to use the C-HR, along with a film crew, for the day to show New Zealand who they are, with the aim of ultimately keeping the car. Toka Tū used the Toyota C-HR as their waka to take the audience on a journey back in time to tell the story of how geothermal activity was created in New Zealand.

The group performed in front of one of New Zealand’s most unique backdrops, the Wairakei Terraces, tracing the development of geothermal activity as seen through the lens of their Māori culture.

Through haka and hip hop dance, they brought the past into the future with their unique cultural fusion.

“I think the C-HR was made for us because it's contemporary fusion and we’re a bit of contemporary fusion,” said Kila Haitana,Toka Tū’s spokesperson.

“With a striking and edgy design, the C-HR has a standout style that is uniquely its own,” says Andrew Davis, Toyota New Zealand’s General Manager of Marketing.

“It made sense to aim the competition towards people who, like the C-HR, put themselves out there every day and make a statement with what they do.” 

Toyota New Zealand selected nine innovative, original or interesting contestants from over hundred entries received through the casting process. The nine contestants ranged from gelato entrepreneur making a C-HR inspired flavour, to edible insect connoisseurs, to a street artist painting four walls in one day.

“Toka Tū’s standout entry shows the calibre and uniqueness of the individuals who participated in the competition,” said Davis.

“Their fusion of Māori culture with hip hop was unique and really represented New Zealand the best.”

The campaign winner was decided by the number of votes they received through Toyota’s Facebook page during the campaign period.