PĀNUI
NEWS
Open Group Spotlight: Waiata.
24 / 07 / 2025
Our weekly waiata open group is more than just a sing along, it’s a living expression of kotahitanga, manaakitanga, and the ongoing journey of cultural connection. Through song, story, and shared space, kaimahi and whānau from our community come together to honour Te Aō Māori in a way that uplifts both individual hauora and collective wairua.
"Ko tōku reo tōku ohooho, ko tōku reo tōku māpihi maurea"
Every session is an invitation, not just to learn waiata Māori, but to listen deeply, to stand humbly in the presence of tīkanga, and to grow in both reo and relationship.
Taryn Hopkins, Learning & Development Co-Ordinator at He Waka Tapu, says, “Going to waiata open group means a lot to me as a kaimahi. It’s a space where I can learn through listening, participating, and being guided by tikanga Māori in a way that feels respectful and connected.”
The waiata group is open to all, regardless of reo level or experience. Whether you grew up with these songs or are encountering them for the first time, the group creates a safe, inclusive space to learn, to be uplifted, and to stand alongside others in pursuit of shared understanding.
Each session blends traditional and contemporary waiata with the stories and values that shape them. In doing so, participants not only learn kupu and melodies, but they also experience the wairua, the intention, and the mana embedded within every lyric.
“Singing waiata helps me deepen my understanding of Te Reo Māori and the values woven through each kupu,” Taryn says. “It’s not just about learning the words, it’s about feeling the wairua, tuning in to the collective energy, and acknowledging the mana of the people and the culture these waiata belong to.”
“The group offers a sense of calm, reflection, and unity that stays with me long after the last note is sung,”
Taryn Hopkins - Learning and Development Coordinator.
by kaupapa, and about honouring the richness of Māori knowledge and expression in real, relational ways.
“Being welcomed into that space humbles me and reminds me of the importance of walking alongside, not in front,” says Taryn. “As someone who didn’t grow up with this knowledge, being part of a waiata group is part of my journey to understand my place in Aotearoa more deeply. It’s about honouring Te Tiriti in action, by listening, learning, and showing up with openness and respect.”
Hannah Martin, one of our Whānau Kaimahi, was born and raised in Edmonton, Canada, whose whakapapa stretches all the way to the Ukraine. For her, the waiata group has become an important part of connecting more deeply with the culture and people of Aotearoa.
“As someone born outside of Aotearoa, attending waiata each week has been a beautiful way for me to deepen my understanding of Te Ao Māori, strengthen my knowledge and pronunciation of te reo Māori, and uplift my wairua,” Hannah shares. “For me, it's also all about whakawhanaungatanga, building relationships with whānau in my community, connecting with tangata whenua, and respecting and honouring those around me.”
We are proud to offer our waiata rōpū as part of our Whai Rawatia Te Oranga open group programme which operates every week right here at He Waka Tapu.
