The Mori waiata (song) titled Te Iwi E was written by Ngoi Pwhairangi who was a well-respected waiata writer, poet and advocate for the Mori Language. The song is powerful and fast paced, it was created in the early 1980s and focuses on encouraging the Māori people to rise up above all adversity and be strong through keeping our language, culture and identity alive. The Ptea Mori Club performed the song they are best known for their international smash hit Poi E so when they sang Te Iwi e there were many people taking notice of it. It became an anthem of unity and cultural pride not only did we learn it at school but it was brought into our communities as well as being sung during kapa haka performances.
Te Iwi E Lyrics
| Title | Te Iwi E |
|---|---|
| Written By | Ngoi Pēwhairangi |
| Language | Māori |
| First Released | Early 1980s |
| Famous Performer(s) | Pātea Māori Club |
| Genre | Waiata / Māori Cultural Song |
| Theme | Unity, Identity, Language, Cultural Pride |
| Cultural Significance | Widely used in education, kapa haka, and Māori events |
| Legacy | Continues to inspire Māori and non-Māori to celebrate indigenous identity |
Te Iwi E Lyrics
(Leader) Te Iwi E!!
(All) E karanga e te iwi e
Kua eke mai nei
Kua eke mai nei ki runga te marae e
Mauria mai ra
Mauria mai ra e nga mate o te motu e
Me nga tini roimata
Me nga tini roimata e maringi whanui e
Titiro e nga iwi
Titiro e nga iwi e nga mahi o te motu E hora atu nei e
Rū ana te whenua
Rū ana te whenua, whatiwhati te moana
Aue te aroha
Aue te aroha te mamae i ahau e.
Rū ana te whenua whatiwhati. Hei!
More Lyrics: Hutia Te Rito Lyrics
