Waiata

Waiata are an important part of our cultural identity. They are one of many ways through which we express our Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tōtanga and pass down pūrākau, whakapapa and information around wāhi tāpu.

They are also a key component of whaikōrero in that, traditionally, waiata followed each speech made by a kaikōrero on marae and in other te Ao Māori settings. The same practice is followed today. The waiata add to, or complement, what the speaker has said.