Waiata | Toia Mai
Tōia mai te waka nei
Kūmea mai te waka nei
Ki te takotoranga takoto ai
Tiriti te mana motuhake
Te tangi a te manu nei
Pīpīwharauroa
Kūī, kūī, kūī
Whiti whiti ora
Hui e tāiki e
Drag the canoe
Heave the canoe
To its resting place
Share out the true power
The bird calls
The shining cuckoo
Kūī, kūī, kūī
Signalling new life
Gather together as one
“Toia Mai” is a cherished waiata composed by Wiremu Te Ranga Poutapu, a respected Māori composer and kaikaranga from the Waikato region. The song calls for unity, collective strength, and collaboration, using the powerful metaphor of pulling together like in a waka. Poutapu’s work has had a lasting impact on kapa haka and Māori cultural expression, inspiring communities to support one another and journey forward together. This waiata has an ahua of connection and shared purpose. It should always be used to uplift, inspire and bring people together in a respectful way.
Tōia mai te waka nei
Kūmea mai te waka nei
Ki te takotoranga takoto ai
Tiriti te mana motuhake
Te tangi a te manu nei
Pīpīwharauroa
Kūī, kūī, kūī
Whiti whiti ora
Hui e tāiki e
Drag the canoe
Heave the canoe
To its resting place
Share out the true power
The bird calls
The shining cuckoo
Kūī, kūī, kūī
Signalling new life
Gather together as one
“Toia Mai” is a cherished waiata composed by Wiremu Te Ranga Poutapu, a respected Māori composer and kaikaranga from the Waikato region. The song calls for unity, collective strength, and collaboration, using the powerful metaphor of pulling together like in a waka. Poutapu’s work has had a lasting impact on kapa haka and Māori cultural expression, inspiring communities to support one another and journey forward together. This waiata has an ahua of connection and shared purpose. It should always be used to uplift, inspire and bring people together in a respectful way.