Ana Hato
| Deane Waretini | |
|---|---|
| Born | 30 December 1907 |
| Died | 8 December 1953 (aged 45) |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, entertainer |
| Years active | 1926–? |
| Labels | Parlophone |
| Associated acts | Deane Waretini, Snr. |
Ana Matawhaura Hato was a singer from New Zealand of Maori descent. She along with Deane Waretini, Snr. have the distinction of being the first vocalists to have Maori songs commercially recorded in New Zealand.
She was born on 30 December 1907 in Rotorua. Her father was of Ngāti Whakaue descent, and her mother was of Tuhourangi descent.
Hato and her cousin Deane Waretini took music lessons from the wife of the Whakarewarewa School headmaster, Mrs Banks. Her and Waretini also sang at community gatherings, church and for tourists.
She made local history and an entry into the books, when she and Waretini in 1927 performed for the Duke and Duchess of York. She was aged 20 at this time. This performance in Rotorua was recorded by technicians from the Australian branch of Parlophone Records. The recording was achieved with small portable acoustic recording equipment.
She died at Rotorua on 8 December 1953 at the age of 45.
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