Airini Grennell
Grennell's mother, Mary Hazel Teripa Tikao, daughter of Hōne Taare Tīkao and Martha Hana Toku Horomona, was of Ngāi Tahu descent.Around the age of 18, Grennell travelled to England to study music professionally, and gained diplomas of licentiateship for musicianship (LTCL and LRSM) in teaching the piano and singing.[3] In 1935, Airini and her sister Hinemoa joined the Methodist Home Mission Party (also known as the Waiata Māori Choir), which was established in 1924 by Reverend Arthur John Seamer.[3] The choir consisted of Māori singers and orators, and performed an eclectic repertoire, including religious, popular, indigenous and Western art music.[3] Other members of the choir included Ana Tangaere, Hinemoa Karenera, Sister Olive, Hinerangi Hikuroa, Mereana Kaitaia, Weno Tahiwi, Mihi Waikare, Mori Erihana, Rangipeka Moerua, Marama Muriwai, Mori Pickering (née Ellison), Taka Ropata, Reverend Robert Tahupotiki Haddon, Te Uira Tutaeo Manihera and Inia Te Wiata.