Although the kaitito of this mōteatea is not 100% certain, it identifies by all recorded information that it was composed from within Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga. The interpretations, although slightly differing, all have the similar meaning behind them. I am drawn to the symbolism within the interpretations: A lonely seal. Intense weeping, aching memories and inconsolable grief. The twinkling star, does it mock the mourners, light the path for the dead, or give hope by shining in a clear sky?
These are the documented sources I was able to locate after asking for help from my whāngaunga on the ‘Kahungunu, kia eke’ facebook page.
Maungaharuru-Tangitū Deed of Settlement Schedule (25 May 2013) Pg 46
Nā Kowhio.
He rangi tatari tonu, te rangi akuanei, te ope haereroa e
Mō taku koro e, ka ngaro noa tu ra, ki Whakaari ra ia
Ki te toka kahekahe, nahau e tamaiti, i whaiti tu mana e..i
Penei tonu ai, ta te roimatahanga, he kai maringi kino e..i
Mo te aroha ee, ka ngaro mai kei roto, kei te hinapouri e..i
Tera te whetu, taukamo ana mai, na runga ana mai e..i
O nga hiwi nui e, ki te whara ngira ia, e tete noa mai ra e
Hohoro mai ko ia, tahau haramai, he kino te koropuku
Te moe a te kekeno, ki te moana ra ia, ko wai ahau kakaitea ra ..i
Taringa whakarongo, ki te hori ki waho ra,
Kaia mai rō mai ro, koe e..i
Ngahere tonu tana, whakatanguru i taua ngahuru nei e..i
Today is a time to endure, a time to await the Cortege that journeys to bring forth my Koro at
the Inlet nestled at the foot of Whakaari, the Panting Rock;
the Bluff that initiates breathless exertions echoing up from steep and difficult pathways.
There at the Cove below the assembly will gather to await, he, the progeny of our Ancestors.
It is so; a deep and yearning affection, abides in aching memories welling a surging rush to
brim and cascade into a deep weep, the weep of the inconsolable.
Grief so renders me desolate and lost, to drift in that deep chasm of sorrow.
Yonder the Day Star winkles and glistens above the great hills and over a solitary sail
appearing on the horizon of an undulating sea.
The figurehead of an approaching Prow appears from the distant ocean haze. A doleful ache
arises in me.
It is he, borne upon his approaching Bier, distant and solitary, yonder, as a lonely Seal
asleep, upon a heaving sighing sea.
I, transfixed to gaze at the Waka Taua consuming the distance, swiftly approaching and
gliding in to its moorings and to the awaiting assembly.
Harken to the sounds emanating from out there!
Listen, to the departing rush of his restless Spirit gone by, drifting to and thro in search of the
pathway to the Ancestors.
On towards the moaning, murmuring clamour of a tormented forest agitated by the
Southerlies howling gusts and on to the resting place of peace.
TOI BY TESSA 