Tāwhirimatea

Intro - 0:00 to 0:15
(Atmospheric kōauau flute opens, gentle acoustic strumming, deep breath)
Tihei Mauri Ora!
(Spoken / Chanted call)
​[Verse 1 - 0:15 to 0:45]
From the mist upon the mountain top
Where the sacred rivers flow
Hear the whispers of the ancient land
In the places that we know
​E ngā maunga hiwi i te po (O mountain peaks in the night)
E ngā wai e rere ana (O flowing waters)
We are standing on the sacred ground
Where our stories grow
​[Chorus - 0:45 to 1:15]
Tāwhirimatea, blowing through the trees
Feel the spirit riding on the ocean breeze
Aotearoa, land of the long white cloud
Singing our waiata, strong and proud!
Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui
(Be strong, be brave, be steadfast)
​[Verse 2 - 1:15 to 1:40]
Light of dawn upon the ocean foam
Guiding voyagers back home
Carried by the stars above the sea
Joined together in unity
​Tēnei te rā, ka ao, ka ao (This is the day, it dawns, it dawns)
Tōku mana, tōku whenua (My strength, my land)
​[Chorus - 1:40 to 2:05]
Tāwhirimatea, blowing through the trees
Feel the spirit riding on the ocean breeze
Aotearoa, land of the long white cloud
Singing our waiata, strong and proud!
Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui
​[Outro / Haka Chant - 2:05 to 2:25]
(Building rhythm, vocal harmonies, traditional call and response)
Hi! Ha!
Hutia te rito o te harakeke
(If you pluck out the center of the flax bush)
Mā wai e waiata?
(Who will sing?)
Mā tātou katoa!
(All of us together!)
​(Fade out with peaceful kōauau flute and acoustic guitar tail - 2:30)