The Aotearoa Waltz
By Judith Bryers Holloway
One of our correspondents, Judith Holloway, has been inspired to write a new National Anthem, more suited to our times.
Judith is a prolific poet, writer and political activist, now living in Levin (but formerly a Kapiti resident).
We think you’ll like her Anthem…
‘Here we stand, surrounded by sea:
Pacific peoples- independent, free.
The world’s first true Democracy!
Aotearoa…
We defend
Equality,
Justice, Peace & Liberty!
With warmth and friendship we embrace
the good in every creed and race.
Aotearoa….
We love our summer’s golden shawl
On rustling rivers, lowlands sprawl.
Those rampant alps – our ‘Coat of Arms’
Shield us from unease and harm.
In cool, dark bush, kokāko call
To valleys, hills and waterfall.
We wear these taonga as our ‘Crest’.
Was ever land more sweetly blest?
(Music by John Joseph Woods (1876). Lyrics by Judith Bryers Holloway (2015).
E Ihowa Atua (Oh Lord God)
O ngā iwi Mātou rā, (Of nations – and of us, too)
Ăta whakarongona; (Hearken to us)
Me aroha noa (Cherish us)
Kia hua ko te pai; (Let goodness flourish)
Kia tau tō atawhai; (May your blessing flow)
Manaakitia mai (Defend Aotearoa)
Aotearoa
(Words in te reo Maori written by T.H. Smith in 1878.)
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And here’s the music for The Aotearoa Waltz…
