He Aha kei Tua o Motuara Ra?

This ngeri is becoming more well-known throughout Te Tauihu. A ngeri is like a haka, but without the set moves, and it is up to the kaihaka to interpret the waiata by choosing appropriate hand actions.

The ngeri was composed at a Ngāti Tarakaipa hapū wānanga by Te Taepa Kameta, after visiting Tōtaranui (Queen Charlotte Sound) and Meretoto (Ship Cove).

The kaupapa of the waiata is about our cultural pride and resilience and it also refers to our continuous occupation. It is located in the Meretoto and Anamāhanga areas. The first part of the waiata refers to the arrival of James Cook into Tōtaranui on the HMS Endeavour in January 1770 and, importantly, emphasises that our tīpuna were there long before Cook arrived.

Kupu  

He aha kei tua o Motuara rā                                     
e whati te tai e?
Ahaha
He atua rangi e huka ana te tai a Kupe       
I poua te Wheke a Muturangi kia mate noa
Iahaha
E kore e huri ki tua o ngā Whatu Kaipono o te Wheke a Muturangi
He Raukawakawa ka whakatakotoria ki te moana
Ka hura te tai e
Eke tai, Eke tai e
Huka tai, Huka tai e
Rehu tai ana
Ko Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō ka eke ki runga I a Puhi Kererū
Tau, Tau!
Takoto ai e!
 

What is that beyond Motuara, churning up the sea?
Be alert! Be on guard!
It’s something incomprehensible that is churning up the tides of Kupe
Te Wheke a Muturangi was slain by Kupe
You will not pass Ngā Whatu Kaipono unless you are adorned with the tipare kawakawa and follow the rituals
Your passing was successful, place your tipare kawakawa into the water
Arise!
Rise up!
Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō stand at the summit of Puhi Kererū (excellence) and remain there forever.
Hold fast!