Dean Te Paa: Musician 

Dean Te Paa’s musical career spans two decades and four continents, telling us how experienced, resilient and contemporary he is. Dean performs classic rock and popular ballad covers, and favours Australasian hits. The artists who have influenced him the most are Tim and Neil Finn, Dave Dobbyn, Graham Brazier and Marc Hunter.

      Dean performed his first gigs as a lead vocalist and guitarist in the 1980s in and around Auckland with band, ‘Teeps’. He established a second cover band The Troubleshooters with musicians Steve Bush, Jeff Hayden and Brett Adams from the Mockers, and they held a residency at popular Takapuna bar, the Mon Desir.

      In 1990 he headed overseas and spent 10 years rocking the London pub scene. He played and sang in various bands in well-known Aussie/Kiwi pubs including the ‘Walkabouts’, ‘The Church’ and ‘The Redback Tavern’. He also recorded a number of backing vocal tracks to be used within the advertising industry.

      As his popularity grew he was invited to perform in middle-eastern countries Dubai and Qatar for Ex-pat corporate functions, and in Brunei.

      When he travelled to Austria in 1996 to enjoy the Austrian ski season he was offered a job as resident musician at Austrian Ski Resort “St Johann-in-Tyrol”. He remained there four years.

      In 2000 Dean returned to Auckland, New Zealand and made the decision to go solo. Armed with his strong, warm voice, his guitar and a selection of backing tracks he broke into the Auckland bar scene. In 2001 he was offered a regular spot at Sky City Casino, performing and supporting local and international acts such as ‘The Drifters’ and ‘The Searchers’.

            This year Dean was thrilled to be able to perform at some of the Warriors home games for the supporters and players.