Waiata

One of our foundation staff, Barbara Ngawati wrote the lyrics and music for this waiata and gifted it to us. It has quickly become part of our culture and is sung by staff and students with pride.

Kimihia te tūrangawaewae, hī auē
Kimihia ngā pakiaka ō Papatūānuku e
Nō hea mātou e?
Te whenua ō te Kahikatea
Koinei tō mātou tūrangawaewae e
E rere hūpana pērā kī te manu e
He wāhi taunga manu, hī auē
Nō hea mātou e?
Te whenua ō te Kahikatea
Koinei tō mātou tūrangawaewae e (x2)

Kahikatea, hī auē!

English Translation

Searching for the place to stand
Searching for the roots of Mother Earth
Where are we from?
The land of the Kahikatea
That is our place to stand

Flying to and fro like a bird
Seeking a place to perch

Where are we from?
The land of the Kahikatea
That is our place to stand