LIANZA waiata

This waiata has been prepared especially for the Library Information Association New Zealand Aotearoa, in both Mäori and English, by Mike Kawana.

Download or listen to the waiata (433KB)

Ko nga kete wananga e rapuhia e Tane

Ko te kete ruruku o te rangi
e rangahau ana
Ki nga wananga uruuru  tawhito
Koia nei te tuatea
ko to kete wahirangi
e rangahau ana
ki nga wananga uruuru tipua
koia nei te tuauri
Ko te kete whanui
ko nga uruuru matua
kei roto ra i tenei kete te kete
aronui e...

English translation

The Baskets of Knowledge Sought by Tane*

The basket called "Ruruku o te rangi"
it pursued, the teachings and instructions
in things that cause havoc and distress:
The Basket of Evil.

The Basket called "Wahirangi"
it pursued, the teachings and instructions
in things that bring health and prosperity:
The Basket of Good.

The Basket called "Whanui"
Peace and love and all things that serve
to promote the welfare of all can be found in this basket:
The Basket of Love.

*Tane: also known as Tane Mahuta, Tane te Waiora, Tane te Wananga, Tane-nui-a-rangi - the Guardian of Human Life and Knowledge.