Ohomairangi from Whitiora by Maisey Rika

Early last year, Uncle Leo informed us that he and our whanaunga, Awhimate Tait had composed a waiata. During the creative stage of this album, JJ and I asked if we could feature the waiata on this album. It was agreed to and so ‘Ohomairangi’ was born. This waiata is about the voyage of the sub tribe Ohomairangi, (ancient name for Ngāti Whakaue) who came on the Te Arawa waka from Hawaiki to what is now known as Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe, (Rotorua for short). It portrays a journey both spiritually and physically; acknowledging the connection to our ancestor and our taiao
(environment).

I present this song with respect to my Te Arawa lineage.

Tracklist

8.	Ohomairangi	2:50

Lyrics

Māturuturu ana ō roimata
Ohomairangi e
Ki runga i ahau
E oho ake ai
I taku moe, e moe, e moe
Kore kiko
I taku moe, e moe, e moe
Pēhi wairua

Kia noho ake au
I tōku maunga
Titiro ki raro
Ki Rotorua-nui-ā-Kahu e

Whakawhanaunga ake ai
I a tātou he rongo aroha
O te Iwi, o te Iwi
O te waka nei, o te waka nei
O Te Arawa e, o Te Arawa e

O te Iwi, o te Iwi
O te waka nei, o te waka nei
O Te Arawa e, o Te Arawa e
E Ohomairangi e, e Ohomairangi e
O Te Arawa e, o Te Arawa e
E Ohomairangi e

Nā Leo Rika rāua ko Maisey Rika i whakamāramatia. English interpretation by Leo Rika and Maisey Rika.

This is a lament or love song in recognition of those who have passed on, for those who are still with us and for those generations yet to come.

Credits

from Whitiora, released September 28, 2012
Ngā kaitito o ngā kupu: Leo Rika (Te Arawa), Awhimate Tait (Tūhoe, Te Arawa)
Ngā kaitito o te rangi: Leo Rika, Awhimate Tait, Maisey Rika
Te kaiwaiata: Maisey Rika

License