Our new KCC waiata, gifted to us by our friend Makaira Waugh, Kaiako Toi at Te Ara Whanui Kura Kaupapa Maori o Nga Kohanga Reo o Te Awa Kairangi.
The song is written to reflect our te reo Māori name, Hakuturi Toa. In the legend of Rata, the Hakuturi are the small creeping and flying creatures of the forest who rise up to protect it, and Makaira thought it appropriate to offer this name to the young children in our club who take part in conservation activities throughout Aotearoa. Like the Hakuturi, although tamariki are small individually, together they can achieve much!
This rendition is by some of Makaira’s secondary students:
Hakuturi Toa
E tū ki te ao
Kimihia ngā taonga
O te tai o te wao
Hakuturi Toa
Maranga mai rā
Tiakina te whenua
Kia ora anō
Hakuturi Toa
He iti tō mahi
Ki te piri mai ahau
He toa takitini
Hakuturi Toa
Kia kaha rā
Hakuturi Toa
Maranga mai rā
Translation:
Brave Hakuturi
take your place in the world
explore the wonders
of the sea and the forest,
Bold Hakuturi
rise up
look after the land
that it may be well again,
Champion Hakuturi
your effect is small
but if I join you
how strong we can be,
Brave Hakuturi
be strong
Brave Hakuturi
Rise up!