Willie Hona

Wiremu Hona (22 July 1953 – 5 May 2024) was a New Zealand musician.

Early life and career
Wiremu Hona was born in Rawene on 22 July 1953.

Hona's career began alongside Mark Williams, Mack Tane and Gregg Findlay in the band the Face.

In 1983 he released She Needs You and it reached #41 on the New Zealand Charts.

In 1983 he also joined Herbs as singer and guitarist. He appeared on two albums, Long Ago (1984) and Sensitive to a Smile (1987) and on multiple singles such as songs Slice of Heaven, Sensitive to a Smile and Listen. He left the band in late 1988.

In 1991 he released a solo album called Keep an Open Heart.

Death
Hona died from pancreatic cancer in Paraparaumu, on 5 May 2024, at the age of 70.

Aotearoa Music Awards
The Aotearoa Music Awards are an annual awards night celebrating excellence in New Zealand music and have been presented annually since 1965.

! Ref.
 * 2012 || Willie Hona (as part of Herbs) || New Zealand Music Hall of Fame || inductee ||
 * 2012 || Willie Hona (as part of Herbs) || New Zealand Music Hall of Fame || inductee ||