Work
Te Hokinga Mai
a traditional Māori waiata
Films, Audio & Samples
About
To learn more about this waiata and view lyrics and sheet music, visit Aotearoa Songbook.
This song debuted at Pakipaki School during the 1986 celebration concert for the return of the Te Māori exhibition after its journey to some of America’s most prestigious museums (re-branded ‘Te Hokinga Mai’ in Aotearoa). It has become a widely known and favourite composition throughout Māori communities.
The words of the first verse has its origins in the traditional lament ‘Kāore te Mokemoke’ by Harehare of Ngāti Manawa. The main body of the composition is by Bishop Max Mariu, and the tune is by Te Taite Cooper. Tom Higgins, of Ngāti Manawa, was principal of Pakipaki School at the time the students first learnt it and it is thought he encouraged the inclusion of the words used from the lament by Harehare of Ngāti Manawa.
— programme note from Aotearoa Songbook