About Willie Hona
Lived 1953 – 2024 (aged 70). Willie Hona was a New Zealand guitarist and singer.
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, aged 70.
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Important facts
People in Willie Hona's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Willie Hona's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Willie Hona?
NZ musician
When was Willie Hona born?
Willie Hona was born on 22 July 1953.
When did Willie Hona die?
Willie Hona died on 5 May 2024.
What was Willie Hona's occupation?
Willie Hona was a guitarist and singer.
What nationality was Willie Hona?
Willie Hona was New Zealand.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Willie Hona. https://biography.guide/willie-hona/
MLA: "Willie Hona." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/willie-hona/.
Chicago: "Willie Hona." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/willie-hona/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-26 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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