07/10/2026
๐๐ซ Talking with cherished clients today, I recalled being parked last night in Mosgiel, sun setting, warm, and this 3-4 year olds childโs voice echoing through the calm evening singing a beautiful familiar waiata (song).
โTutira Mai Nga Iwiโ. 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 couldnโt 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 likeโฆ.OK universe. Theres a message hereโฆ.and itโs taken me some time to pick it up. So I googled the meaning tonight.
And itโs a message FOR EVERYONE!!!!!
๐ซ๐ "Stand together, shoulder to shoulder, as one people." ๐๐ซ
SING IT! FEEL IT! LIVE IT!
NGA mihi
Blessings
๐๐๐ซ
The opening line "Tutira mai ngรฃ iwi" translates to English as "Line up together, people" or "Stand together, shoulder to shoulder, as one people."
Breakdown of the Meaning
โข Tutira: To stand in rows, line up, or stand shoulder to shoulder.
โข Mai: Towards us (indicates a call to action to come together)
โข Ngรฃ: The (plural)
โข 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
Mรฃori Lyrics
English Translation
Tutira mai ngรฃ iwi
Line up together, people / Stand shoulder to shoulder
Tatou, tatou e
All of us, all of us together
Whรฃia te maramatanga
Seek after knowledge and understanding
Me te aroha, e ngรฃ iwi!
And love for others-everyone!
Kia tapatahi, kia kotahi rฤ
Be united, stay as one
Canon Wi Huata composed the song "Tลซtira Mai Ngฤ Iwi" during a fami...