07/10/2026
ππ« Talking with cherished clients today, I recalled being parked last night in Mosgiel, sun setting, warm, and this 3-4 year olds childβs voice echoing through the calm evening singing a beautiful familiar waiata (song).
βTutira Mai Nga Iwiβ. She sung it so powerfully whilst being walked by her parent and grandparents. She was not Maori, but sung it with such innocence, light and love.
And ironically I couldnβt stop smiling because Ive woken from sleep 4-5 times the last 2 weeks singing this exact same song. Out loud - whilst waking.
I dont know 4 words of this song (waitata) when concious, but knew every single letter whilst asleep.
So when I heard this beautiful child singing this same song, Im likeβ¦.OK universe. Theres a message hereβ¦.and itβs taken me some time to pick it up. So I googled the meaning tonight.
And itβs a message FOR EVERYONE!!!!!
π«π "Stand together, shoulder to shoulder, as one people." ππ«
SING IT! FEEL IT! LIVE IT!
NGA mihi
Blessings
πππ«
The opening line "Tutira mai ngΓ£ iwi" translates to English as "Line up together, people" or "Stand together, shoulder to shoulder, as one people."
Breakdown of the Meaning
β’ Tutira: To stand in rows, line up, or stand shoulder to shoulder.
β’ Mai: Towards us (indicates a call to action to come together)
β’ NgΓ£: The (plural)
β’ Iwi: Tribes, people, or nations. We NZ Folksong +3
Complete First Verses & English Translation
Composed by Canon Wiremu Te Tau Huata in the late 1950s, the song is a powerful anthem about unity and solidarity: @ Facebook
MΓ£ori Lyrics
English Translation
Tutira mai ngΓ£ iwi
Line up together, people / Stand shoulder to shoulder
Tatou, tatou e
All of us, all of us together
WhΓ£ia te maramatanga
Seek after knowledge and understanding
Me te aroha, e ngΓ£ iwi!
And love for others-everyone!
Kia tapatahi, kia kotahi rΔ
Be united, stay as one
Canon Wi Huata composed the song "TΕ«tira Mai NgΔ Iwi" during a fami...