The aim of this research is to ask why Maori show bands are not recognised as New Zealand cultural ambassadors who contributed to the New Zealand music industry on an international scale. Another objective is to investigate their historical significance. The first question suggests that Maori show bands have not been recognised by the NZ music industry. The second question asks what was historically significant about them to suggest why they warrant being officially recognised for their contribution. The focus of the research is on those Maori show bands who decided going overseas to discover new opportunities for performing their unique brand of entertainment was a more viable option than staying in New Zealand. I will attempt to highlight what was significant about the Maori show bands that left New Zealand and differentiate between such entertainers as Sir Howard Morrison and the Quartet and other Maori show bands like the Maori Troubadours, and the Maori Hi Fives. This essay will discuss what they had in common as well as what was different.