Ngā iwi ē, ngā iwi ē Kia kotahi rā Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (x2)
E-I-A-I-E! (whakarongo tautoko) E-I-A-I-E!
Wāhine mā, wāhine mā Maranga mai, maranga mai Kia kaha! (x2)
E-I-A-I-E! (whakarongo tautoko) E-I-A-I-E!
E tama mā, e tama mā Tama tū, tama tūā Tama ora!!! (x2)
E-I-A-I-E! (whakarongo tautoko) E-I-A-I-E!
Kia mau rā, kia mau rā Ki te mana motuhake Me te aroha (x2)
E-I-A-I-E! x 2
E-I-A-I-E! x 2
People, people Unite as one Like the Pacific Ocean (x2)
E-I-A-I-E! (Listen, Support!) E-I-A-I-E!
Women everywhere Rise up, rise up Be strong (x2)
E-I-A-I-E! (Listen, Support!) E-I-A-I-E!
Men everywhere Stand strong, stand strong Stand strong in life! (x2)
E-I-A-I-E! (Listen, Support!) E-I-A-I-E!
Hold fast, hold fast To your sovereignty And to love and compassion (x2)
E-I-A-I-E! x 2
Hirini Melbourne composed this waiata for the 1984 Festival of Pacific Arts to be held in New Caledonia. Despite the festival being cancelled this waiata has gone on to be well known throughout Aotearoa. It has been performed by many artists and in a range of contexts. Its kupu calls for unity amongst all people. This waiata is best suited to times that align with its meaning – to bring people together.
