Tōia mai
A pōwhiri is a Maori welcoming ceremony. First there's a karanga, an exchange of calls that takes place while the visitors are entering the marae (meeting grounds) of a tribe or family. Followed by a haka pōwhiri, a ceremonial song and dance during which the visitors are symbolically drawn into the marae. They sing about drawing in the canoe but symbolically they're drawing in their guests.
Tōia mai
Haul It In
Welcome Song
Welcome Song
(Maori)
(English)
Kaea: Aha, tōia mai!
Katoa: Te waka!
Kaea: Ki te urunga.
Katoa: Te waka!
Kaea: Ki te moenga.
Katoa: Te waka!
Ki te takotoranga
Takoto ai te waka!
Hï!
Leader: Pull, haul it in.
Group: The canoe!
Leader: To its resting place.
Group: The canoe!
Leader: To its berth.
Group: The canoe!
In its resting place,
Put down the canoe!
Hï!
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks and Acknowledgements
Translated by Lisa.
