Tutira Mai Nga Iwi
Dennis Marsh Lyrics


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Tūtira mai ngā iwi,
Tātou tātou e
Tūtira mai ngā iwi,
Tātou tātou e
Whai-a te marama-tanga,
Me te aroha - e ngā iwi!
Ki-a ko tapa tahi,
Ki-a ko-tahi rā
Tātou tātou e





Tā-tou tā-tou e E!!
Hi aue hei!!!

Overall Meaning

The song "Tutira Mai Nga Iwi" by Dennis Marsh is a powerful Maori haka song that celebrates the unity of the indigenous Maori people. The first line, "Tutira mai nga iwi", means "gathering together the tribes", and it is a call for all Maori people to come together in unity. The repetition of "tātou tātou e" reinforces this sense of togetherness and collective identity.


The second line, "Whai-a te marama-tanga, me te aroha," calls for the pursuit of knowledge and love among the Maori people. The word "marama-tanga" refers to enlightenment or understanding, while "aroha" translates to love, empathy, or compassion. These values are central to Maori culture and are seen as essential for creating a harmonious society.


The last line, "Ki-a ko tapa tahi, ki-a ko-tahi rā," encourages Maori people to work together as one group, with a unified purpose. This rallying cry is emphasized with the chant of "tātou tātou e", which creates a sense of solidarity and belonging among all Maori people.


Line by Line Meaning

Tūtira mai ngā iwi,
Let the people gather together,


Tātou tātou e
All of us, all of us together


Whai-a te marama-tanga,
Hold fast to the wisdom


Me te aroha - e ngā iwi!
And love of the people


Ki-a ko tapa tahi,
Let us all pull together,


Ki-a ko-tahi rā
Like the plaited ropes,


Tātou tātou e
All of us, all of us together


Tā-tou tā-tou e E!!
All of us, all of us together!!


Hi aue hei!!!
Wow, excellent!!!




Writer(s): wi huata

Contributed by London F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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