One of the most successful and prolific New Zealand musicians of all time, 1960s superstar Peter Posa was born in 1941 and grew up in Auckland’s Henderson Valley.

By the time he was seven, Posa had started playing the ukulele. While his mates were content with model planes and trains, Peter would scour the family vineyard for suitable pieces of wood to carve or cut into model guitar shapes.

At 18, he had formed his own band The Peter Posa Combo, quickly a popular West Auckland band adept at playing most styles of music for any type of function.

After signing to Zodiac in 1960, his 3rd single Wheels went on to sell 50,000 copies and become the label’s biggest seller. After three years he jumped ship to Viking and his second single with that label would become known as his signature tune. ‘White Rabbit’ made Posa a household name in New Zealand, Australia and across the Pacific.

Posa toured extensively during this time and also took up opportunities in America where White Rabbit was also released. His recorded output remained immense and is arguably the most prolific recording artist of the sixties.

Unfortunately a car accident in 1970 sidelined Peter’s musical career and he wouldn’t record again until the 90s. Even so, his legacy as our pre-eminent guitarist and a musician who would inspire countless others to emulate him was sealed.

Peter was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2008, and a collection of his greatest hit became the highest selling album of 2013.After several years of illness and a stroke, Peter passed away in February 2019. Today we honour his legacy and vital contribution to music by welcoming him to the NZ Music Hall of Fame | Te Whare Taonga Puoro o Aotearoa.