The singing of waiata or song usually follows each mihi and whaikorero (formal greetings exchanged between host and visitor).
The mana or esteem of a speaker is elevated when accompanied by a song that is chosen to relate to the content of the speech. It is the act of singing the waiata in support of the speaker that is important.
| A song of welcome by Nga Puhi women |
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Usually you'll find the kuia or female elders jostling to position themselves around the speaker to initiate the waiata. Depending on the occasion, singing can be full of life and laughter or, in times of tragedy, so eloquently mournful that even a hardened warrior has difficulty maintaining composure.
Waiata have a broad application and detailed levels of understanding. Traditional waiata of the ancestors were often aligned with spiritual events, which could include supporting karakia or prayer to evoke supernatural forces. Combined with karakia, waiata could be used in acts of aroha (love) or makutu (evil or destructive forces).
Today waiata are sung in many languages and for many different reasons. Visitors that sing of their homeland or in their native tongue are said to bestow their hosts with the voice and sound of their ancestors. This is considered a great gift and honour.
Throughout the year, Maori often gather at the Waitangi National Trust estate. Nga Puhi tribal members have a repertoire of traditional and contemporary waiata to meet any occasion.
During the hakari or ceremonial feast the hosts will sometimes entertain visitors with waiata. It's a real treat for everyone when spontaneous singing breaks out and, because it's not unusual to have two to three hundred people together, it makes for a great sound with plenty of lively entertainment.
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