He hua nui, He hua roa, Ki te ao, Ōmaio, ki tua e, Ka rongo ki te wai tae e, Haramai ki te tae pārae, Haramai ki te tae timu, Nāu e, Hine Moana e, Nāu e, Tangaroa e.
From the energies of the extensive and intensive ocean We will learn to maintain balance Reciprocation of healing is needed Celebrate the provisions of the full and low tides The sacred domain of Hinemoana and Tangaroa
“He hua nui, he hua roa” is a karakia that honours the life-giving power of the ocean and acknowledges Hine Moana and Tangaroa as atua of the tides. Rich in imagery, it reflects the deep connection between people and te moana, recognising its rhythms, abundance, and spiritual presence. The imagery of wai tae, tae pārae, and tae timu reflects the cycles of nature and sustenance. This karakia is best used in contexts related to the sea — such as waka journeys, environmental kaupapa, or harvesting kai moana — where respect for the ocean and its atua is central.
