In this track we talk with Poukōkiri Whakaaturanga Taonga Kahurangi Goulton about the exhibition of ngā mōteatea in the Kura Tūturu | Real Gold exhibition case for Hōngongoi and Matariki.

Kahurangi explains how te reo Māori was originally only transmitted orally and as such Māori crafted and perfected the art of mōteatea. Mōteatea refer to all forms of traditional waiata or songs. These waiata were composed to transmit, retain and celebrate the life, customs and history of Māori.

In the case we have the hand written manuscript of a waiata composed by Hinewairoro and collected by Riwai Te Ahu from Ngāti Hinerangi and Ngāti Awa. We can assume this waiata dates back to an earlier time. This waiata has been identified as, A song to incite remembrance in people’s hearts.

On view for July 2023 in the Reading Room Level 2 Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero | Central City Library or by request at any time.

Image: Karakia, Waiata. Riwai Te Ahu. Pre-1854. GNZMMS 097_07

Kura search results: Riwai Te Ahu https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/search/searchterm/Riwai%20Te%20Ahu

Further Reading:

Nga Moteatea: he maramara rere no nga waka maha, he mea kohikohi. Part 1. 1928. Ngata, Apirana Turupa

https://tinyurl.com/sskxzmzt