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.
Radio Kahungunu has given us permission to make these four popular waiata available for your listening pleasure.
- Tēnā koutou, e hoa mā
Tēnā koutou, e hoa mā Greetings, oh friends
Kua tae mai nei i tēnei rā Arrived here this day
Nō 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 I had heard of course
Kua rongo hoki ahau I had heard of course
Kei te haere mai koutou That you were all coming
Nō reira rā, e hoa mā Therefore, oh friends,
Kia ora rā, koutou katoa Good health, to you all
- Māku rā pea
Māku rā pea I will perhaps
Māku rā pea I will perhaps
Māku koe e awhi ē I will help you
Ki te ara, ara tupu Upon the pathway, of progress
Māku koe e awhi ē 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
Tāku nei mahi All I seem to do
Tāku nei mahi All I seem to do
Hei tuku roimata Is to shed tears
Ē Auē 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
Ē Auē Alas, 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