HE RAUEMI AKO MĀ TE WHĀNAU
Karakia, Waiata & Haka
Learn Together
NAU MAI · WELCOME
He pukapuka mā te whānau
Kia ora, and welcome to learning together.
This collection introduces 5 karakia, 4 waiata and 4 haka for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.
How to use this book
Choose one piece. Learn what it means, follow its source, listen to a fluent speaker and practise a little each day. Print your favourites for your bedroom, dining room or classroom.
A note about the words
Every learning page includes its selected Māori text. Short forms and selected verses are identified on their pages. English meanings are learning explanations, rather than certified word-for-word translations.
Tikanga and care
Haka, karakia and waiata have different histories, iwi connections and occasions. Follow local tikanga for formal gatherings and ask knowledgeable people when uncertain.
WHAKAHUA · PRONUNCIATION
Start with the sounds
Take your time, and listen as you practise.
Aas in father
Eas in bed
Ias in see
Oas in more (without the glide)
Uas in moon
Ā Ē Ī Ō ŪLong vowels: hold each sound for longer
WHOften similar to f; regional pronunciation varies
NGAs in sing, including at the start of a word
These English approximations are a starting point only. Follow a trusted Māori pronunciation recording or a fluent speaker.
NGĀ IHIRANGI · CONTENTS
Explore the collection
Karakia
Waiata
Haka
Followed by two practice pages, sources and a closing page.
Whakataka te Hau
Opening a gathering • welcoming the dawn
TE REO MĀORI
Whakataka te hau ki te uru Whakataka te hau ki te tonga Kia mākinakina ki uta Kia mātaratara ki tai E hī ake ana te atākura He tio, he huka, he hauhū Tihei mauri ora!
ENGLISH MEANING
Prepare for cold winds from the west and south, inland and at sea. Dawn rises over ice, snow and dampness: a greeting to life and a new beginning.
WHEN & HOW TO USE IT
Use as an opening karakia. Connect its imagery with the weather and the dawn, and listen to a fluent speaker as you learn.
COMPOSER / ORIGIN
Traditional karakia • source: Te Puni Kōkiri
WORDS & TEACHING SOURCE
Traditional text from Te Puni Kōkiri. Teaching text reused under CC BY 3.0 NZ; English meaning is an Iconic Games summary.
He Hōnore
Opening a gathering • Christian
TE REO MĀORI
He hōnore He korōria ki te Atua He maungārongo ki te whenua He whakaaro pai ki ngā tangata katoa Āmine
ENGLISH MEANING
Honour and glory to God; peace on earth and goodwill to all people.
WHEN & HOW TO USE IT
This is explicitly Christian. Choose a different karakia if that does not suit the whānau or setting.
COMPOSER / ORIGIN
Traditional Christian prayer • based on Luke 2:14
WORDS & TEACHING SOURCE
University of Otago • karakia ↗
Short Christian prayer based on the biblical blessing; this is not a modern musical arrangement.
Kia Tau ki a Tātou Katoa
Closing blessing • Christian
TE REO MĀORI
Kia tau ki a tātou katoa Te atawhai o tō tātou Ariki a Ihu Karaiti Me te aroha o te Atua Me te whiwhingatahitanga Ki te Wairua Tapu Ake, ake, ake Āmine.
ENGLISH MEANING
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, for ever. Amen.
WHEN & HOW TO USE IT
A Christian blessing for closing a gathering. Choose a karakia that fits your whānau and the occasion.
COMPOSER / ORIGIN
Christian blessing • based on 2 Corinthians 13:14
WORDS & TEACHING SOURCE
Christian closing blessing based on 2 Corinthians 13:14.
Nau Mai e Ngā Hua
Karakia kai • before sharing food
TE REO MĀORI
Nau mai e ngā hua e hora nei Haumi ē, hui ē, tāiki ē!
ENGLISH MEANING
Welcome the food that has been laid before us. We join together in gratitude.
WHEN & HOW TO USE IT
A short, learnable karakia kai. The source also offers an extended version and a recording.
COMPOSER / ORIGIN
Traditional karakia • iwi resource: Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō
WORDS & TEACHING SOURCE
Traditional short form; source credit shown.
Kia Whakairia te Tapu
Closing a hui • moving on from a gathering
TE REO MĀORI
Kia whakairia te tapu Kia wātea ai te ara Kia turuki whakataha ai Kia turuki whakataha ai Haumi e, hui e, tāiki e!
ENGLISH MEANING
May the special conditions of our gathering be lifted so that the way ahead is clear. We stand together.
WHEN & HOW TO USE IT
Often used to conclude meetings. Follow local tikanga for formal settings.
COMPOSER / ORIGIN
Traditional • composer unknown
WORDS & TEACHING SOURCE
Traditional form in a public sector resource.
E Ihowā Atua / Aotearoa
Te waiata ā-motu • national anthem
TE REO MĀORI
E Ihowā Atua, O ngā iwi mātou rā, Āta whakarangona; Me aroha noa. Kia hua ko te pai; Kia tau tō atawhai; Manaakitia mai Aotearoa.
ENGLISH MEANING
O Lord, God of nations, hear us and cherish us. Let goodness grow, may blessing be upon us, and protect Aotearoa.
WHEN & HOW TO USE IT
This is the familiar first Māori verse. All five official verses are provided at the Ministry's link; singing Māori then English is common at public events.
COMPOSER / ORIGIN
Thomas Henry Smith (Māori words, 1878) • John Joseph Woods (music) • based on Thomas Bracken's English poem
WORDS & TEACHING SOURCE
Manatū Taonga • Ministry for Culture and Heritage ↗
Anthem text in public domain; official version and other verses at source.
A Haka Mana
Te arapū Māori • alphabet and sounds
TE REO MĀORI
Ā haka mana para tawa ngāwhā Ē heke mene pere tewe ngewhe Ī hiki mini piri tiwi ngīwhī Ō hoko mono poro towo ngōwhō Ā Ē Ī Ō Ū Ū huku munu puru tuwu ngūwhū
ENGLISH MEANING
A pronunciation pattern rather than a poem: it helps us practise the five vowel sounds and combinations of letters.
WHEN & HOW TO USE IT
Practise all five vowel groups slowly, keeping each vowel clear. These are sound patterns, not sentences to translate. Follow a fluent speaker for pronunciation; teaching versions differ.
COMPOSER / ORIGIN
Traditional teaching rhyme/song • composer not confirmed
WORDS & TEACHING SOURCE
New Zealand Folk Song • children's waiata ↗
Traditional six-line syllable sequence; modern additional verses are not included.
Ehara i te Mea
Whakapapa • aroha • continuity
TE REO MĀORI
Ehara i te mea Nō nāianei te aroha Nō ngā tūpuna Tuku iho, tuku iho Te whenua, te whenua Te oranga o te iwi Nō ngā tūpuna Tuku iho, tuku iho Whakapono Tūmanako Te aroha ki te iwi Nō ngā tūpuna Tuku iho, tuku iho
ENGLISH MEANING
Aroha is inherited rather than newly invented; it flows across generations.
WHEN & HOW TO USE IT
A beautiful starting point for talking about what our tūpuna pass on.
COMPOSER / ORIGIN
Eru Tīmoko Īhaka (1876–1937) • Te Aupōuri / Te Rarawa
WORDS & TEACHING SOURCE
Three-verse teaching version. Original Māori words credited to Eru Tīmoko Īhaka; no modern arrangement or translation reproduced.
Mā Wai Rā
Marae • care • remembrance
TE REO MĀORI
Mā wai rā e taurima Te marae i waho nei? Mā te tika, mā te pono Me te aroha e.
ENGLISH MEANING
Who will uphold the marae and its responsibilities? Let us act with truth, love and care.
WHEN & HOW TO USE IT
Often connected with tangihanga and communal remembrance; the full original has shorter and longer forms.
COMPOSER / ORIGIN
Henare Te Owai (1879–1947) • Ngāti Porou
WORDS & TEACHING SOURCE
Common short verse from the longer waiata tangi. Follow the source for the complete lament and its background.
Ka Mate
Survival • resilience • life
TE REO MĀORI
Ka mate! Ka mate! Ka ora! Ka ora! Ka mate! Ka mate! Ka ora! Ka ora! Tēnei te tangata pūhuruhuru Nāna nei i tiki mai whakawhiti te rā! Ā upane! Ka upane! Ā upane! Kaupane! Whiti te rā! Hī!
ENGLISH MEANING
Will I die, or will I live? I have survived danger. With help, I emerge and step up into daylight.
WHEN & HOW TO USE IT
Ka Mate is a taonga of Ngāti Toa Rangatira. Learn its origin, correct actions and attribution before performing.
COMPOSER / ORIGIN
Te Rauparaha • Ngāti Toa Rangatira
WORDS & TEACHING SOURCE
Haka Ka Mate Attribution Act 2014 ↗
Traditional nineteenth-century haka; acknowledge Te Rauparaha and Ngāti Toa Rangatira.
Tika Tonu
Confidence • perseverance
TE REO MĀORI
Ki aro Kia whakaronga, kia mau! Hi! Ringaringa e torōna Kei waho hoki mai! Kss! Kss! Tika tonu! U — e! Tika tonu! U — e! Tika tonu atu ki a koe, e tama Hiki nei koe aku whakaaro, pakia! He hiki aha to hiki? He hiki roa to hiki? I a ha hā! E tama, te uaua ana E tama, te mārō Roa ina hoki ra Te tohe o te uaua na E tāu nei Āna! Āna! Āna! Aue! Hī!
ENGLISH MEANING
Stand firm in what is right. Do not be overwhelmed by difficulty: courage and wisdom are already within you.
WHEN & HOW TO USE IT
A haka of encouragement, reportedly composed for the composer's son. Learn the history before performing.
COMPOSER / ORIGIN
Waimārama Puhara (also recorded as Putara) • Ngāti Kahungunu
WORDS & TEACHING SOURCE
Historical haka text from the credited collection. Regional performance versions differ.
Tōia Mai
Haka pōwhiri • drawing a waka ashore
TE REO MĀORI
Kāea: Ā, tōia mai! Katoa: Te waka! Kāea: Ki te urunga! Katoa: Te waka! Kāea: Ki te moenga! Katoa: Te waka! Katoa: Ki te takotorunga i Takoto ai Te waka! Hī!
ENGLISH MEANING
Pull together and draw the waka towards the shore, symbolically welcoming visitors.
WHEN & HOW TO USE IT
Check the traditional haka version: other waiata share this title. Learn marae tikanga from local people.
COMPOSER / ORIGIN
Traditional haka pōwhiri • composer unknown
WORDS & TEACHING SOURCE
Traditional waka-hauling chant, in the Turanga Mauparaoa version identified by the source. Kāea marks the leader and katoa the group.
Te Kiri Ngutu
History • whenua • resistance
TE REO MĀORI
Whakaara Kāea: Ponga ra! Ponga ra! Katoa: Ka tataki mai Te Whare o nga Ture! Ka whiria te Maori! Ka whiria! Ngau nei ona reiti! Ngau nei ona taake! A ha ha! Te taea te ueue! I aue! Hei! Patua i te whenua! Hei! Whakataua i nga ture! Hei! A ha ha! Na nga Mema ra te kohuru Na te Kawana te koheriheri! Ka raruraru nga ture! Ka raparapa ki te pua torori! I aue! Te Tinana Kaore hoki te mate o te whenua e Te makere atu ki raro ra! A ha ha! Iri tonu mai runga O te kiringutu mau mai ai Hei tipare tana mo te hoariri! A ha ha! I tahuna mai au Ki te whakahere toto koa A ki te ngakau o te whenua nei Ki te koura! I aue, taukuri e! A ha ha! Ko tuhikitia, ko tuhapainga I raro i te whero o te Maori! Hukiti! A ha ha! Na te ngutu o te Maori Pohara kai kutu Na te weriweri koe i homai ki konei? E kaore iara, i haramai tonu koe Ki te kai whenua! Pokokohua! Kaura mokai! Hei! A ha ha! Kei puta atu hoki te ihu o te waka I nga torouka o Niu Tireni Ka paia pukutia mai e nga uaua O te ture a te Kawana! Te taea te ueue! Au! Au! Aue!
ENGLISH MEANING
A historical statement about land, the pressures of colonial policy and Māori determination.
WHEN & HOW TO USE IT
This is more complex than a general classroom haka. Discuss the history and rely on fluent review of the translation.
COMPOSER / ORIGIN
Matutaera (Tūtā) Nihoniho • Ngāti Porou
WORDS & TEACHING SOURCE
Historical text attributed to Tūtā Nihoniho (1850–1914), with the source spelling retained. This haka contains strong historical language and is for guided learning.
PRACTISE · AKO
My Learning Notes
My everyday karakia
What did you learn from your morning, kai or evening karakia?
Today I learned…
A line I want to remember…
What this means to me…
Who I can practise with…
PRACTISE · AKO
My Learning Notes
My waiata & haka
Which waiata or haka did you practise with your whānau?
Today I learned…
A line I want to remember…
What this means to me…
Who I can practise with…
WHAKAWHETAI · ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Ngā mihi nui
Thank you to the iwi, hapū, composers, educators and organisations whose teaching resources inform this book. Original sources and known composer details are credited on each learning page.
Ka Mate
Ka Mate was composed by Te Rauparaha of Ngāti Toa Rangatira. Ngāti Toa Rangatira are recognised kaitiaki of Ka Mate. Its cultural significance and attribution are acknowledged in the Haka Ka Mate Attribution Act 2014.
Learning with respect
English meanings in these pages are learner summaries, not verified line-by-line translations. Please follow the appropriate tikanga and seek fluent review when learning and sharing these taonga.
Te Puni Kōkiri teaching text is credited under CC BY 3.0 NZ. English summaries were written for this book. Original words, sources and composers are credited on each page.
With thanks to Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Te Puni Kōkiri, Manatū Taonga, the University of Otago, Playcentre and the historical collections credited throughout the book.
ICONIC GAMES
Kia kaha te reo Māori
Learn one line. Learn its meaning. Share it with your whānau.
iconicgames.co.nz