Reading of the vote to pass Marriage Equality in New Zealand, followed by a waiata (song - annotated for non-NZers)
This is the most heartfelt singing of Pōkarekare I have ever heard.
Pōkarekare ana ngā wai o Rotorua
Troubled are the waters of (Lake) Rotorua*
*Originally "o Waiapu" [river] but this version suggests the story of high-born Hinemoa
swimming Rotorua to her low-born lover Tūtānekai on Mokoia Island. One speaker mentioned how Tūtānekai still loved his takatāpui, [intimate same-sex companion] Tiki.
whiti atu koe, e hine marino ana e
when you cross, o girl they become calm
E hine e, hoki mai ra, ka mate ahau i te aroha e
O girl, return to me, I am dying of love.
Tuhituhi taku reta, tuku atu taku ringi
I wrote my letter, sending my ring
Kei kite e tōu iwi, raruraru ana e
If your people should see it, there would be trouble
E hine e, hoki mai ra, ka mate ahau i te aroha e
O girl, return to me, I am dying of love.