Pokarekare Ana
Encyclopedia
Pokarekare Ana is a traditional New Zealand
love song, probably communally composed about the time World War I
began in 1914.
, who polished up the song in 1917 and published the words in 1921, wrote that "it emanated from the North of Auckland
" and was popularised by Māori soldiers who were training near Auckland
before embarking for the war in Europe
.
There have been numerous claims and counterclaims regarding authorship over the years. Although the matter has never been definitively settled, guardianship of the words and music are held by the family (descendants) of Paraire Tomoana
.
The Māori words have remained virtually unaltered over the decades, with only the waters in the first line being localized. For example, some versions refer to Rotorua
, a town in the North Island. However, there have been many different English translations.
Pokarekare Ana was originally written predominantly in triple time, with the verse in duple time, but has been more commonly heard in duple time since World War II
.
The song has historically become one that bonds the two prosperous southern nations of Australia
and New Zealand
, with great honorary ceremonies occurring both from and to each of the nations as a sign of togetherness and strength during the 2000 Summer Olympics
.
, although it has been adapted to commercial advertising and by sporting groups. Notable examples include:
In April 2009 the Israeli composer Rami Bar-Niv wrote a piano piece based on the song - "Pokarekare Variations". He wrote it upon a suggestion of a NZ friend from Rotorua and as a new piece to mark his 5th concert tour of NZ in Sept 2009.
A schoolyard parody, "O curry curry arna, I found a squashed banana", is well known to New Zealand school-children, and was being sung in Melbourne
playgrounds from the early-1960's to the mid-1970s.
The tune of "Pokarekare Ana" has been borrowed for an Irish
hymn to the Blessed Virgin: "A Mhuire Mháthair, sé seo mo ghuí".
Pokarekare Ana was also sung at the opening of the 2009 World Games
in Kaohsiung
by Hayley Westenra
and Russell Watson
.
and Dame Malvina Major
.
Late in 2003 "Pokarekare Ana" was featured on the album Pure
, released worldwide by the young New Zealand soprano Hayley Westenra
. Pure is the fastest selling debut album ever on the UK classical chart
s. Her rendition of "Pokarekare Ana" also prominently appears in the video game Endless Ocean.
A version of the song features on the self titled album by Angelis
, a British classical singing group.
One of the more well-known versions of the song was when it was sung by New Zealand artist Prince Tui Teka
.
The most internationally exposed recorded version of the song was performed by Rose Hanify. This version was used in Air New Zealand advertisements worldwide during 2000. Most notably, this recording became featured throughout the 2000 Summer Olympics
in Sydney
, both publicly, and through heavy media coverage.
A version of the song sung by Scottish comedian Billy Connolly
is used as the theme to his 2004 Tour of New Zealand
and features on both the DVD and CD
.
The group Splashdown
, discontinued, also did a version of this song, titled "Running with Scissors".
On the cd Classical-Crossover Compilation 2011, Hollie Steel
sings Pokarekare Ana. Steel later released the song as a charity single for those suffering from an earthquake in Christchurch
, New Zealand.
. In this translation the approximate sounds of the Māori words are retained while Hebrew words with similar meanings are used. In this translation, however, "Waiapu" is replaced by "Rotorua" (oto rúakh, Hebrew for "that wind").
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
love song, probably communally composed about the time World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
began in 1914.
Authorship disputes
East Coast Māori song-writer Paraire TomoanaParaire Tomoana
Paraire Henare Tomoana , known as Friday, was a prominent Māori leader in the Hawke's Bay Region. He was born in Waipatu or Pakowhai, the son of Henare Tomoana...
, who polished up the song in 1917 and published the words in 1921, wrote that "it emanated from the North of Auckland
Auckland
The Auckland metropolitan area , in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest and most populous urban area in the country with residents, percent of the country's population. Auckland also has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world...
" and was popularised by Māori soldiers who were training near Auckland
Auckland
The Auckland metropolitan area , in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest and most populous urban area in the country with residents, percent of the country's population. Auckland also has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world...
before embarking for the war in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
.
There have been numerous claims and counterclaims regarding authorship over the years. Although the matter has never been definitively settled, guardianship of the words and music are held by the family (descendants) of Paraire Tomoana
Paraire Tomoana
Paraire Henare Tomoana , known as Friday, was a prominent Māori leader in the Hawke's Bay Region. He was born in Waipatu or Pakowhai, the son of Henare Tomoana...
.
The Māori words have remained virtually unaltered over the decades, with only the waters in the first line being localized. For example, some versions refer to Rotorua
Rotorua
Rotorua is a city on the southern shores of the lake of the same name, in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island of New Zealand. The city is the seat of the Rotorua District, a territorial authority encompassing the city and several other nearby towns...
, a town in the North Island. However, there have been many different English translations.
Pokarekare Ana was originally written predominantly in triple time, with the verse in duple time, but has been more commonly heard in duple time since World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
The song has historically become one that bonds the two prosperous southern nations of Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
and New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
, with great honorary ceremonies occurring both from and to each of the nations as a sign of togetherness and strength during the 2000 Summer Olympics
2000 Summer Olympics
The Sydney 2000 Summer Olympic Games or the Millennium Games/Games of the New Millennium, officially known as the Games of the XXVII Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event which was celebrated between 15 September and 1 October 2000 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia...
.
Popularity
The song is very popular in New Zealand and is sometimes called the country's unofficial national anthemNational anthem
A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a nation's government as the official national song, or by convention through use by the people.- History :Anthems rose to prominence...
, although it has been adapted to commercial advertising and by sporting groups. Notable examples include:
- "Sailing AwaySailing Away (All of Us song)"Sailing Away" is a single by a group of New Zealand singers and personalities who sang the song to support KZ 7 in the 1987 America's Cup. The song begins with an altered version of a Māori folk song, Pokarekare Ana, performed by Annie Crummer. The music video was filmed in the Auckland Domain...
", which promoted New Zealand's 1987 America's CupAmerica's CupThe America’s Cup is a trophy awarded to the winner of the America's Cup match races between two yachts. One yacht, known as the defender, represents the yacht club that currently holds the America's Cup and the second yacht, known as the challenger, represents the yacht club that is challenging...
challenge, and featured an ensemble choir of famous New Zealanders recording as 'All Of Us', - It is best known worldwide through Air New ZealandAir New ZealandAir New Zealand Limited is the national airline and flag carrier of New Zealand. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, the airline operates scheduled passenger flights to 26 domestic destinations and 24 international destinations in 15 countries across Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania, and is...
's TV advertisements in 2000. This version was performed by Rose Hanify (later of NZ Band Supermodel). In particular, the song became a phenomenon in AustraliaAustraliaAustralia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
during the 2000 Summer Olympics2000 Summer OlympicsThe Sydney 2000 Summer Olympic Games or the Millennium Games/Games of the New Millennium, officially known as the Games of the XXVII Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event which was celebrated between 15 September and 1 October 2000 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia...
in SydneySydneySydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
, where the song again became another unofficial anthem, this time for the success of OceaniaOceaniaOceania is a region centered on the islands of the tropical Pacific Ocean. Conceptions of what constitutes Oceania range from the coral atolls and volcanic islands of the South Pacific to the entire insular region between Asia and the Americas, including Australasia and the Malay Archipelago...
into the new millennium, specificially during the time of the Olympic Games, and beyond.
In April 2009 the Israeli composer Rami Bar-Niv wrote a piano piece based on the song - "Pokarekare Variations". He wrote it upon a suggestion of a NZ friend from Rotorua and as a new piece to mark his 5th concert tour of NZ in Sept 2009.
A schoolyard parody, "O curry curry arna, I found a squashed banana", is well known to New Zealand school-children, and was being sung in Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
playgrounds from the early-1960's to the mid-1970s.
The tune of "Pokarekare Ana" has been borrowed for an Irish
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
hymn to the Blessed Virgin: "A Mhuire Mháthair, sé seo mo ghuí".
Pokarekare Ana was also sung at the opening of the 2009 World Games
World Games 2009
The World Games of 2009 took place in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, from July 16, 2009 to July 26, 2009. The games featured sports that are not contested in the Olympic Games....
in Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is a city located in southwestern Taiwan, facing the Taiwan Strait on the west. Kaohsiung, officially named Kaohsiung City, is divided into thirty-eight districts. The city is one of five special municipalities of the Republic of China...
by Hayley Westenra
Hayley Westenra
Hayley Dee Westenra is a New Zealand soprano, classical crossover artist, songwriter and UNICEF Ambassador. Her first internationally released album, Pure, reached No. 1 on the UK classical charts in 2003 and has sold more than two million copies worldwide...
and Russell Watson
Russell Watson
Russell Watson is an English tenor who has released singles and albums of both operatic-style and pop songs. The self-styled "People's Tenor" had been singing since he was a child, and became known after performing at a working men's club...
.
Recorded versions
Dozens of recording artists throughout the world have performed and recorded the song. Internationally known New Zealand opera singers to previously record and perform "Pokarekare Ana" are Dame Kiri Te KanawaKiri Te Kanawa
Dame Kiri Jeanette Te Kanawa, ONZ, DBE, AC is a New Zealand / Māori soprano who has had a highly successful international opera career since 1968. Acclaimed as one of the most beloved sopranos in both the United States and Britain she possesses a warm full lyric soprano voice, singing a wide array...
and Dame Malvina Major
Malvina Major
Dame Malvina Lorraine Major, GNZM, DBE is a New Zealand opera singer. She was born in Hamilton, New Zealand into a large musical family. As a child she performed at various concerts, singing mainly country and western pop and music from the shows. She received her first classical training in 1955,...
.
Late in 2003 "Pokarekare Ana" was featured on the album Pure
Pure (Hayley Westenra album)
Pure is the first internationally published Album by Christchurch, New Zealand soprano Hayley Westenra. Her previous albums were released only in New Zealand and nearby Australia. This album also received professional consultation from the legendary Sir George Martin who helped to create its...
, released worldwide by the young New Zealand soprano Hayley Westenra
Hayley Westenra
Hayley Dee Westenra is a New Zealand soprano, classical crossover artist, songwriter and UNICEF Ambassador. Her first internationally released album, Pure, reached No. 1 on the UK classical charts in 2003 and has sold more than two million copies worldwide...
. Pure is the fastest selling debut album ever on the UK classical chart
UK classical chart
The UK Classical Charts are three record charts based on classical music in the United Kingdom: the Classical Artist Albums Chart, the Classical Compilation Albums Chart and the Specialist Classical Albums Chart...
s. Her rendition of "Pokarekare Ana" also prominently appears in the video game Endless Ocean.
A version of the song features on the self titled album by Angelis
Angelis
Angelis was a British classical singing group created by Simon Cowell. It was initially formed in early 2006 and was made up of six children, who were then aged between 11 and 14...
, a British classical singing group.
One of the more well-known versions of the song was when it was sung by New Zealand artist Prince Tui Teka
Prince Tui Teka
Tui Teka , better known by his stage names "Tui Latui" or Prince Tui Teka was a Māori singer/actor. Teka was a member of the Maori Volcanics Showband before having a successful solo career.- Career:Teka was born in Ruatahuna, New Zealand near Te Urewera...
.
The most internationally exposed recorded version of the song was performed by Rose Hanify. This version was used in Air New Zealand advertisements worldwide during 2000. Most notably, this recording became featured throughout the 2000 Summer Olympics
2000 Summer Olympics
The Sydney 2000 Summer Olympic Games or the Millennium Games/Games of the New Millennium, officially known as the Games of the XXVII Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event which was celebrated between 15 September and 1 October 2000 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia...
in Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
, both publicly, and through heavy media coverage.
A version of the song sung by Scottish comedian Billy Connolly
Billy Connolly
William "Billy" Connolly, Jr., CBE is a Scottish comedian, musician, presenter and actor. He is sometimes known, especially in his native Scotland, by the nickname The Big Yin...
is used as the theme to his 2004 Tour of New Zealand
Billy Connolly's World Tour of New Zealand
Billy Connolly's World Tour of New Zealand is the fourth, and currently last, of Billy Connolly's decade-spanning ‘world tours’ that follow the comedian on his various travels across the globe...
and features on both the DVD and CD
Billy Connolly's Musical Tour of New Zealand
Billy Connolly's Musical Tour of New Zealand is the soundtrack to the television series Billy Connolly's World Tour of New Zealand. It was released in 2004.-Track listing:#Billy's Bobby Theme#Billy's Fast Waltz#Billy's Slow Waltz...
.
The group Splashdown
Splashdown (band)
Splashdown, formed in Allston, Massachusetts, in 1996, was an American pop rock band. The group disbanded in 2001; their last show was at the release party for the debut CD of Freezepop on February 2 of that year. Splashdown gained a small but extremely loyal following in the Northeast United...
, discontinued, also did a version of this song, titled "Running with Scissors".
On the cd Classical-Crossover Compilation 2011, Hollie Steel
Hollie Steel
Hollie Steel is a singer and performer from Huncoat, Lancashire, England. At the age of ten she was one of ten finalists on the third series of the ITV reality show Britain's Got Talent....
sings Pokarekare Ana. Steel later released the song as a charity single for those suffering from an earthquake in Christchurch
Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the country's second-largest urban area after Auckland. It lies one third of the way down the South Island's east coast, just north of Banks Peninsula which itself, since 2006, lies within the formal limits of...
, New Zealand.
Lyrics
| Māori | English |
|---|---|
| Pōkarekare ana, ngā wai o Waiapu Whiti atu koe hine, marino ana e |
The waves are breaking, against the shores of Waiapu Waiapu Waiapu was a New Zealand parliamentary electorate in the Gisborne – East Coast Region of New Zealand, from 1893 to 1908.-Member of Parliament:... , My heart is aching, for your return my love. |
| E hine e, hoki mai ra, ka mate ahau i te aroha e. |
Oh my beloved, come back to me, my heart is breaking for of love for you. |
| Tuhituhi taku reta, tuku atu taku rīni Kia kite tō iwi, raruraru ana e. |
I have written you a letter, and enclosed with it my ring, If your people should see it, then the trouble will begin. |
| E hine e, hoki mai ra, ka mate ahau i te aroha e. |
Oh girl, come back to me, my heart is breaking for of love for you. |
| Whatiwhati taku pene, kua pau aku pepa Ko taku aroha, mau tonu ana e. |
My poor pen is broken, my paper is spent, But my love for you endures, and remains forever more. |
| E hine e, hoki mai ra, ka mate ahau i te aroha e. |
Oh my beloved, come back to me, my heart is breaking for of love for you. |
| E kore te aroha, e maroke i te rā Mākūkū tonu i aku roimata e. |
The sun's hot sheen, won't scorch my love, Being kept evergreen, by the falling of my tears. |
| E hine e, hoki mai ra, ka mate ahau i te aroha e. |
Oh girl, Come back to me, I could die of love for you. |
Other versions
A homophonous translation into Hebrew was composed in 2007 by Ghil'ad ZuckermannGhil'ad Zuckermann
Ghil'ad Zuckermann is an Israeli-Italian-British-Australian linguist, expert of language revival, contact linguistics, lexicology and the study of language, culture and identity...
. In this translation the approximate sounds of the Māori words are retained while Hebrew words with similar meanings are used. In this translation, however, "Waiapu" is replaced by "Rotorua" (oto rúakh, Hebrew for "that wind").
In popular culture
- It was used as the theme song for the 2005 South Korean film Crying FistCrying FistCrying Fist is a 2005 South Korean film written and directed by Ryu Seung-wan.- Synopsis :Jobless, besieged by creditors, and abandoned by his wife, the once silver medalist Tae-shik has sunk to street hustling, becoming a human punching bag. Meanwhile, young Sang-hwan's delinquent ways land him...
.
External links
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaEUY0pYCMkTraditional version sung a cappellaA cappellaA cappella music is specifically solo or group singing without instrumental sound, or a piece intended to be performed in this way. It is the opposite of cantata, which is accompanied singing. A cappella was originally intended to differentiate between Renaissance polyphony and Baroque concertato...
by Marie Te Hapuku, with vintage photos of Māori women] - Webpage with comprehensive background
- "Pokarekare Ana" by Karly Te Maro, MP3 used by Air New Zealand