As far as is known, this haka was composed by Waimarama Puhara, a highly respected chief of the central Hawkes Bay area.
Apparently he composed the haka in about 1914 as a message to his son Moana, who had been born in about 1899 and had been attending St Patrick's College, Silverstream. At the time Waimarama could see his son was having difficulties - something like a chip on his shoulder or some other intangible problem.
Young people are taught this haka as it contains an appropriate message for many adolescent males, particularly at that point in their lives where they are making the difficult transition into adulthood. The message of this haka is of challenge, struggle, perseverance and achievement. It is often used at events such as 21st birthdays and graduations. It is also used at tangi, to pay homage and respect to those who have guided young people through difficult times.
KUPU MĀORI
Ki raro
Taringa whakarongo, kia mau!
Hi !
Ringaringa e torona kei waho hoki mai!
Kss Kss
Tika tonu!
U - e!
Tika tonu!
U... e!
Tika tonu atu ki a koe, e tama
Hiki nei koe aku whakaaro, pakia!
He hiki aha to hiki?
He hiki roa to hiki?
I a ha hā!
E tama, te uaua ana
E tama, te mārō
Roa ina hoki ra
Te tohe o te uaua na
E tau nei.
Ana! Ana! Ana! Aue... Hī!
TRANSLATION
Pay attention
Listen up, take your stance!
Hi!
Arms outstretched,
out and back!
Kss Kss
What is right is always right!
In - deed!
What is right is always right!
Ah... yes!
Be true to yourself, my son!
You have raised my concerns, so listen up!.... .
What is this problem you are carrying?
How long have you been carrying it for?
Have you got that? Right, let's go on.
So son, although it may be difficult for you
and son, although it seems to be unyielding
no matter how long you reflect on it
the answer to the problem
is here inside you.
Indeed! Indeed! Indeed! Yes, indeed!