Kim ParkinsonArts, entertainment and education reporter·Gisborne Herald·8 Jul, 2026 05:00 PM2 mins to read‌Hip-hop artist Toby Shaskey (third from left) with LB (second from left). The two of them won the Pass the Mic competition in Auckland last weekend. Photo / Ocean MichaelA hip-hop artist hailing from Tairāwhiti has earned the opportunity to compete for $50,000 in Australia with a song that paid tribute to a friend.

Toby Shaskey, aka Shaskey, won the Auckland heat of the Pass the Mic Aus/NZ Tour 2026 competition and will go on to compete in Sydney