Waiata

Waiata or songs and chants are an important part of Māori culture. The words and
expressions preserve the wisdom and knowledge of ancestors.

There are many forms of waiata used for different purposes including oriori (lullabies), waiata
tangi (laments), waiata aroha (songs of love), ngeri (a type of chant), manawawera (a form of
challenge) and waiata poi (poi songs). When performing a waiata, it is important to choose a
song appropriate for the occasion.

Waiata are often performed at the end of whaikōrero (speeches) to support what has been said.
They can also be sung to remove tapu (restrictions) or to engage, entertain, calm, or comfort
the listener.

Traditionally, waiata were always performed in unison with very few actions and with no
musical instruments or choreography. While this is still the case today, contemporary waiata
are commonly sung with accompaniment, include harmony, and are performed with
complicated actions and choreography.

Different iwi (tribes) often have their own waiata, with many composed centuries ago.
However, there are a lot of waiata that are now generally accepted as common property. This
often happens when a waiata has an appealing tune or the lyrics express the sentiments of a
tribe so well that it is taken over by others.

Tēnā koutou, e hoa mā

Tēnā koutou, e hoa mā Greetings, oh friends

Kua tae mai nei i tēnei rā Arrived here this day
Nö reira rā, e hoa mā Therefore, oh friends,
Kia ora rā, koutou katoa Good health, to you all

Kua rongo hoki ahau I had heard of course

Kua rongo hoki ahau
Kua rongo hoki ahau
Kei te haere mai koutou
Nö reira rā, e hoa mā
Kia ora rā, koutou katoa
I had heard of course
I had heard of course
That you were all coming
Therefore, oh friends,
Good health, to you all

Māku rā pea

Māku rā pea I will perhaps

Māku rā pea I will perhaps
Māku koe e awhi e I will help you
Ki te ara, ara Tupu Upon the pathway, of progress
Māku koe e awhi e x 2 I will indeed help you

E papa Waiari
E Hine hoki mai rā Girl return unto me
E Papa waiari O elder Waiari
Taku nei mahi All I seem to do
Taku nei mahi All I seem to do
Hei tuku roimata Is to shed tears

E Aue Alas,
E ka mate au I will die
E Hine hoki mai rā Girl so return unto me

Māku e kaute I will count

Ō hīkoitanga Your footsteps
Māku e kaute I will count
Ō hīkoitanga Your footsteps

E Aue Alas,
E ka mate au I will die
E Hine hoki mai rā Girl so return unto me
E Hine hoki mai rā Girl so return unto me

Hokihoki tonu mai

Hokihoki tonu mai Return

Te wairua o te tau The spirit of the loved one
Ki te awhi reinga To give me a fleeting embrace
Ki tēnei kiri e Skin to skin
Ki tēnei kiri e Skin to skin

Ka pinea koe e au I will adorn you

Ki te pine o te aroha With an ornament of love
Ki te pine e kore nei With an ornament that will never
Te Waikura e Rust away
Te Waikura e Rust away