Māori language week

By Rohan Williams | Posted: Tuesday September 17, 2024

Due to Māori language week, we thought it would be a great idea to explain the meaning and significance of the Karakia, Whakataka te hau' which we have been saying since the beginning of our assemblies.

Just below this article, we can see the Otago University's translation. This is only one translation with many different meanings derived from the original script.

Whakataka te hau' is originally a modification of the final stanza of 'Tua, Tua,' a longer karakia explaining how the waka Takitimu survived a storm when exploring the Southwest coast, because it was a well-built and well-managed waka. It is a metaphor for the different situations we encounter in our lives and a reminder that the great natural forces of the world can harm us. Still, just like the tangta who manned the takitimu, if we work hard and prepare ourselves for these forces and respond in harmony with them and our ancestors' response, we will be rewarded with success and happiness similar to how the tangta of the takitimu found their success and happiness when they landed and settled in the South Island.

The reason this karakia translates to our school life is because for success in our education and other pursuits such as sporting and cultural activities to happen, one must prepare and work hard, demonstrating the reason why many schools around the country use this karakia for assemblies and at the beginning of classes.

Metaphorically, when speaking this karakia we are trampling or dissipating any negative forces that might impact on our focus or learning for the week, instead inviting gentle forces to support and encourage us like the breeze blowing over the land and sea. When saying this karakia, we are inviting the discovery and learning that a new day/week brings, with the feeling of anticipation, excitement, and feeling alive that you get at dawn on a cold morning as referenced in the karakia.

He tìmatanga: Whakakaka te hau

Whakataka te hau ki te uru

Whakataka te hau ki te tonga

Kia mākinakina ki uta

Kia mātaratara ki tai

E hì ake ana te atakura

He tio, he huka, he hau hu

Tìhei mauri ora

Cease the winds from the west

Cease the winds from the south

Let the breeze blow over the Iand

Let the breeze blow over the ocean

Let the red-tipped dawn come with a sharpened air.

A touch of frost, a promise of a glorious day.