Aotearoa

Waiata Māori are the traditional songs of the Māori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand). The term covers many sub‑types, including waiata aroha (songs of love), waiata tangi (laments), oriori (lullabies), pātere (rapid chant‑songs), poi songs (accompanying poi), and waiata‑ā‑ringa (action songs). Musically, older waiata are often chant‑like, led by a kaiwaiata (leader) with antiphonal or unison responses, flexible rhythm, and narrow‑range melodies shaped by the words. From the 19th century, four‑part choral harmony influenced by Christian hymnody became widespread, creating the rich communal sound now strongly associated with Māori group singing. In performance contexts such as kapa haka, waiata are paired with expressive hand, body, and poi actions, and may be supported by taonga pūoro (traditional instruments) such as kōauau (flute), pūtōrino, and pūrerehua (bullroarer). Culturally, waiata carry whakapapa (genealogy), history, protest, praise, and everyday emotion. They remain a living tradition—sung on marae, in schools, festivals, and contemporary recordings—central to language revitalization and Māori identity.