Ngā Waiata o Te Herenga Waka

Songs of Te Herenga Waka

This collection of waiata, many composed by students and staff, tell the story of our marae communities' evolution through song.

Learn the words to Māku rā pea and Kāore taku raru, and see videos below of our other waiata.

A close up of three people singing a song.

Kāore taku raru

Learn the words and watch the video of the moteatea Kāore taku raru.

Ngā Tau o Te Herenga Waka 2024—booklet and video resources

The project, Ngā Tau o Te Herenga Waka, was inspired by a gathering of different generations of marae alumni who attended Kathy ‘Gran’ Samuel’s tangihanga. As each generation of alumni performed different waiata as their tribute to Gran, a shared willingness to learn waiata from over the years grew, leading to the development of the booklet and filmed performances. The 6th of December 2024 opening of the new Living Building™ and reawakening of Te Tumu Herenga Waka gave this project some parameters, some impetus, and a completion date.

Ngā Tau o Te Herenga Waka is a tribute to all who have had a strong connection to Te Herenga Waka marae over the years. We hope is that the current and future students will continue to add their waiata in the years to come.

This downloadable booklet includes the lyrics for 13 Te Herenga Waka waiata, and some background information.

A large group of women dressed in black doing a performance.

Te Herenga Waka

The words of Te Arawa's famous haka were changed to match Te Herenga Waka in the 1980s.
A group of women with their hands on their hips performing.

He Haka Pōhiri

This haka was performed in the 80s and 90s and uses the patu.
A group of women with their hands in the air performing a song.

Kātahi au ka katakata!

Nā Ruka Te Rangiāhuta Broughton.
A close up of a person playing a guitar.

He pātere mō te hunga wāhine

Nā Ruka Te Rangiāhuta Broughton.
A behind the scenes view of some women via the screen of a video camera.

Te pūmautanga ki Te Herenga Waka

Nā Te Wehi Wright.
A close up of a woman smiling with her hands on her hips.

Tū mai rā e te whare nei

Nā Tā Hirini Moko Mead tēnei waiata i tito, ā, nā Te Taite Cooper te rangi.
A close up of a smiling woman's face.

Ngāti Kōtiti

A waiata sung by by Ngāi Tauira in the 80s and 90s.
A close up of a man's face, which is partially tatooed with an indigenous design. He is holding one hand up and his expression is of surprise or fierceness.

I Tuia i te Ata

Nā Tu Temara nā kupu, ā, nā Con Noema te rangi.
A close up of a woman with her head held high and one hand pointing upwards as she sings.

Tū mai rā Te Kawa a Māui

Nā Teurikore Biddle rāua ko Raniera Rangawhenua.
A close up of a woman performing and making a fierce face.

Ngā pou o Ngāi Tauira

Nā Te Wehi Wright. A favourite feature in Ngāi Tauira brackets.
Two people viewed from side on, holding their arms behind their back, standing straight, and gazing forward.

Te Rata

Nā Hauiti Kohatu me Mason Lawlor ngā kupu, nā Ahirana Waata-Amai te rangi.
A man playing an accoustic guitar accompanied by a woman singing.

Tai o Mihi

Te Wehi Wright, 2016. A dedication the many leaders, particularly Te Ripowai Higgins, who have given so much to Te Herenga Waka students over the years.