A guide to Maori songs

An introduction to the music of the Maoris' - the indigenous people of New Zealand. Read this article which is a guide that will cover the various types of Maori songs, song titles and traditional artists.

Who are the Maoris?

Maoris originated from Polynesia and arrived in what is now New Zealand in the 11th century AD. Today, there are approximately 300,000 Maoris in New Zealand. While the majority of them live in the cities, they generally remain closely connected to their tribes and culture. Traditional Maori music and songs play a large part in New Zealand's music heritage.

Maori songs

Traditional Maori songs comprise four different forms: Poi
These are songs accompanied by dance, in which the women rhythmically strike their body with cotton balls attached to string. Oriori
Oriori songs were traditionally composed to teach children of high rank about their descent and family history. Pao
Pao are songs of an improvisatory nature. The composer sings a couplet which is then repeated by a chorus. This pattern continues until the composer decides the song is complete. Pao can be based on either funny or serious subjects. Waiata
Most Maori songs fall into this category, which comprises laments about a variety of topics. There are several specific themes that fall under the umbrella of Waiata, for instance Waiata Tangi are laments for the dead, waiata ahore are love songs and waiate whaiaaipo are laments dedicated to the composer's beloved. Waiata are performed either as solos or in groups.

Song titles and artists

Perhaps, the most well-known of Maori singers in opera diva Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. In 1999, Dame Kiri released Maori Songs; a collection of New Zealand folk tunes to celebrate the new millennium. The album features the lullaby Hine e Hine and famous Maori love song Po Karekare Ana. Today, traditional Maori music is kept alive by many new and talented artists including Tama Waipara, Cilla Gardiner and Moana and the Tribe. Recent songs range from traditional Waiata to recollections of current events, such as John Archer's moving ballad Black River, based on the Pike River mining explosion of 2010. A variety of Maori folk songs and information on the Maori music industry can be found on sites including Folksong.org.nz and Maorimusicindustry.org.