Tuini Ngawai and Te Hokowhituatu perform Arohaina Mai

Tuini Ngawai (1910 - 1965) was a prolific writer of beautiful songs. This song, Arohaina mai, was written in 1940 and is considered by many to be the greatest Maori song ever written. It is the unofficial hymn of the Maori Battalion. On her way home from a service for the C Battalion, held on the Waiparapare Marea at Tokomaru Bay, she sat down on the roadside to rest and the whole of the words came into her mind, complete.
This video is to honour Tuini and the Maori concert troupe, Te Hokowhituatu which toured New Zealand during the Second World War, performing and collecting funds for the Maori Battalion overseas.
Tuini was also an outstanding shearer, winning the womans section of the Golden Fleece Contest in 1961.
Also link to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX5q3f2Aqy8&feature=related

Arohaina mai (Great King)

Great King, Bestow love upon them all.
Thy children take into Thy loving care.
Spread wide for them Thy mantle of good will.
Thy blessing on this Warrior Band of Tu.

Our pain and sorrow great and all they be,
Subdue with patience, though with straining hearts.
Turn in our deep distress and call unto,
The Father, "God bestow Thy gracious care".

Ye many tribes of Aotaeroa,
Cling to the fame, that we have gained in war.
Shout, as your fathers did in olden days,
"Away with evil! Hail, and all is well".

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Composer
• Maori concert group
• Tokomaru Bay
• New Zealand.

[toamaori]

I have heard an old song from Raiatea (Rangiatea) with the same tune.. was the tune borrowed from a pakeha tune like many other waiata maori?

[walnuttheclown]

@toamaori Yes, it is an old song called "Love walked in". Maori writers often use melodies from popular songs of the day. When you are teaching a large group a new song, it is easier if they already know the tune.

[aotearoamami]

my nanny taught us kids this song and others of that era .....east coast represent!!! thanks for posting this song

[walnuttheclown]

Hi, I have just been to Tokomaru Bay and the Tuini Ngawai Trust are preparing a special celebration this year, which is the 100th year anniversary of Tuini's Birth, May 5th, 1910.

[Pewana]

I love her songs

[jessicamoki]

mmmmaaaannnn I just like to whakarongo ki te waiata o taku kuia he reo reka tona nera koutou ma.

[MrTawaj]

Kiaaa mau te tihei mauriora!

[wii97]

Just so beautiful and just reminds me how beautiful our people were and are and never to be forgotten.

[wii97]

Just so beautiful and just reminds how beautiful our people were and are and never to be forgotten.

[oldboxer32]

yep very much so..anaura bay repping right here!!!

[truebloodnz]

G Arohaina mai A E te Kingi D nui G Manaakitia rā A O tamariki D e G Horahia mai rā C Te marie nui ki te G Hoko-D-whitu a Tū G toa Ngā mamaetanga Me ngā pouri nui Pēhia rawatia Ki raro rā e. Mē anga atu Ka karanga ki te Matua Aue aroha mai Ngā hapū katoa O Aotearoa e Tau awhitia rā Ko tōku rongo Kia mau te tihe Mauria ora A ngā tūpuna Hei tohu wehi e