Nga Moteatea The Songs: Part Four

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The singing of waiata, of songs and chants, has always been an integral part of Maori life. Today waiata are heard in formal ceremonies on marae, in business or political meetings, and at casual, social events. But their texts alone make fascinating reading as an archive of historical, cultural and tribal life. Over a period of 40 years Sir Apirana Ngata collected and recorded hundreds of songs and chants from the iwi of Aotearoa which became the four volumes of Nga Moteatea. The first three volumes included translations and annotations by Ngata and the Ngati Maniapoto scholar, Pei Te Hurinui Jones. The contents of Part IV, the fourth volume, were not available until after the deaths of Ngata and Pei. It was first published in 1990 as an edition of the Maori texts, edited by Tamati Maturangi Reedy from Ngata's manuscripts, but without translation to English. Now, for the first time, this new edition of Part IV comes with a translation of the waiata and annotations by Hirini Moko Mead, of Ngati Awa. A scholar of rare and special expertise in Maori language and culture, he has also made important additions to the annotations. The translation to English opens up to a wide readership of Maori and non-Maori, nationally and internationally, the beauty of the poetic language of the waiata and a wealth of information about historic events and cultural practices of Maori life.

Reviews

"A rich source for continuing research and scholarship in all sorts of areas--both nationally and internationally. It is also a prime text in teaching Maori language, literature and tribal history." --Richard Benton, director, James Henare Maori Research Centre

Author Bio

Sir Apirana Ngata, Ngati Porou, 1874-1950, was the leading Maori figure of his day, a land reformer, politician and scholar. He made a vital contribution to the revival of Maori culture in the early years of the twentieth century and is the subject of a biography by Ranginui Walker. Hirini Moko Mead, Ngati Awa, was the foundation professor of Maori Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, is chair of the Ngati Awa Trust board and founder of Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi. He is the author of many books on Maori art and custom.