Waiata
Western Bay of Plenty District Council has a Waiata Group. The group has been a part of Council for many years now. It was originally established to support Citizenship Ceremonies but now also supports other kaupapa of Council such as pōwhiri (a welcoming ceremony) for guests, dignitaries, new Councils, new CEOs and new staff. Beyond all of that, it's an opportunity to take a breather from work in a place that fosters manaakitanga in a relaxed environment where we're never shy to have a laugh. The Waiata group is open for anyone to be a part of, all you have to do is turn up. The group practices on Thursday at 3pm.
Below is us singing some of the waiata that we've learnt. Ask any one of the Kaupapa Māori team to send you the reminder for your calendar if you are keen to join us.
Resources
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Te Hokinga MaI
Te Hokinga Mai was a waiata composed by Te Taite Cooper and Bishop Max Mariu for welcoming the Te Māori exhibition back to New Zealand in 1984. This version of Te Hokinga Mai song was performed live by the Western Bay Council Waiata Group and recorded in the wharenui - Tamateapōkaiwhenua of Hūria marae in Tauranga. -
Ma Te Kahukura
The waiata 'Mā te Kahukura' was composed by Hōhepa Tamehana for a play staged at Takirua Māori Theatre in Wellington, adapted from his sister Esther Tamehana's book, 'He Kahurere.' Today, this waiata has become renowned nationwide, symbolising the moment when Roimata, a young girl in the play, takes feathers from her cloak and binds them to a manu (bird)." Mā Te Kahukura song is performed by the Western Bay District Māori Group -
E To Mātou Matua I Te Rangi (The Lords Prayer)
E To Mātou Matua I Te Rangi is the Māori translation of The Lord’s Prayer. It is one of the most common karakia or prayers. This has been adapted to a Hīmine or Hymn. This version of the E To Mātou Matua I Te Rangi song is performed by the Western Bay District Māori Group
