Ariana Tikao

Ariana Tikao
Tikao in 2020
Background information
Birth name	Leanne Rahera Tikao
Born	1971 (age 52–53) Christchurch, New Zealand
Occupations	Singer composer author research librarian
Instrument	Taonga pūoro
Years active	1993–present
Spouse	Ross Calman
Website	arianatikao.com

Ariana Rahera Tikao (born 1971) is a New Zealand singer, musician and author. Her works explore her identity as a Kāi Tahu woman and her music often utilises taonga pūoro (traditional Māori musical instruments). Notably, she co-composed the first concerto for taonga pūoro in 2015. She has released three solo albums and collaborated with a number of other musicians. She was a recipient of an Arts Foundation Laureate Award in 2020.