1814 are an eight-piece reggae band whose members live in the hills surrounding the beautiful Whangaroa Harbour and nearby town of Kerikeri, Northland.

Patu Colbert (guitar/vocals), formed the band with sons: Shaun (drums) and Jimmy (bass), in 2004. The line up now includes: Darren Katene (lead vocals); Katherine Te Haara – Atama (vocals); Reuben Heger (sax); Erana Jones (keys) and Maihi Pinker (vocals).

The name 1814 was taken from the year the Gospel arrived at Oihi, in the Bay Of Islands. Missionary, Samuel Marsden, held the first sermon there on Christmas Day, 1814. This is the inspiration behind delivering a message of peace, love and unity to all people throughout the land.

The band has been gigging regularly since the release of their album, Jah Rydem. Patu describes it as having " . . . a funky, R’n’B, roots feel to it.” While touring, we were pleasantly surprised at how well the album has been received around the country. Totally awesome! Song writing was shared between members, with Darren writing lyrics for several of the songs.

The band has had the privilege of playing with some of the country’s top acts: Katchafire, House of Shem, 3 Houses Down, Cornerstone Roots, Unity Pacific, Ardijah, D Dub, Ruia Aperahama, Whirimako Black, Che Fu, Moana and The Tribe, to name a few as well as playing at various festivals around the country.

Future: We are currently shooting a video to Insomnia, planning a new album, national tour and a trip to Brisbane for 2009 as well as regular gig's, so keep an eye out for a show near you.