Hirini Melbourne
Hirini wrote this in remembrance for one of his students who died after going through a lot of adversity.
Ngai Tahu c.1500
'Whakataka' is a modification of the final stanza of 'Tua, Tua,' a longer karakia telling how the waka Takitimu survived a storm when exploring the coast of South Westland because it was well-built and well-managed.
tune - Taina Piripi Ngarimu
lyrics traditional
The words of this waiata have Biblical and Tūhoe origins. The words from Luke's gospel had been used in an old Ringatū karakia, and other variants have evolved from this prayer.
Wiremu and Jossie Kaa c. 1980
This is widely sung in New Zealand prisons and drug rehab centres.
It is based on this theme song of the 1980 TV drama, "Prisoner."
English words - Henry Lyte 1847
Tune - Trad / Carl Boberg 1886
Howard Morrison made this Swedish hymn very popular when he sung it at a Royal Command Performance for the Queen's visit to to New Zealand in 1981.
Ariana is from Onuku marae near Akaroa in Canterbury, and this ethereal song uses a Kai Tahu variant of Tui-tuia.