20 — Singing Waiata in English-Language Services

Singing waiata (Māori hymns or songs) in English-language church services is a meaningful way to honour Te Reo Māori and incorporate indigenous spirituality into worship. 

It deepens the cultural and theological richness of services and acknowledges the bicultural commitments of many churches in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

This post discusses:

• The benefits and challenges of singing waiata in English-language services
• Whether English language translations should be provided
• The subtle musical nature of waiata, and
• Introduces two waiata that we sing at our church – He Hōnore and Wairua tapu – which have become loved part of our worship repertoire and are suitable for singing any time of year. 
  

There are links to download PDF sheet music, midi files and recordings for these waiata at the end of this post.

Benefits and challenges 

Introducing waiata into worship also presents both benefits and challenges.

6 Benefits of Singing Waiata in Worship

Honouring Te Reo Māori: Incorporating waiata respects and upholds the indigenous language of Aotearoa New Zealand, fostering greater appreciation and engagement with Māori culture.

Encouraging Inclusivity and Reconciliation: Singing waiata in church acknowledges the Treaty of Waitangi and strengthens relationships between Māori and non-Māori worshippers.

Enriching Worship with Māori Theology: Waiata often contain deep theological themes rooted in Māori spirituality, bringing fresh insights into the nature of God and faith.

Deepening Congregational Participation: Learning and singing waiata can create a more engaged worship experience, moving people beyond words to shared spiritual meaning.

Developing Musical and Cultural Competency: Singing waiata helps congregations grow musically by learning different rhythms, melodies, and harmonies specific to Māori musical traditions.

Creating a Sense of Unity: Singing in Te Reo together fosters communal identity, reinforcing the shared faith and mutual respect among worshippers.

6 Six Challenges of Singing Waiata in Worship

Language Barrier: Some congregation members may be unfamiliar with Te Reo Māori, making it difficult to engage fully in the meaning of the waiata.

Pronunciation Difficulties: Proper pronunciation is essential to show respect and accurately convey meaning. This can take time and practice to learn.

Theological Understanding: Some congregation members may struggle to grasp the full depth of Māori theological perspectives embedded in waiata without contextual explanation.

Musical Complexity: Waiata often have subtle rhythms and syncopation that, while appearing simple, require careful musical notation and rehearsal to perform well.

Resistance to Change: Some church members may feel uncomfortable incorporating non-English elements into worship. Worship leaders need to navigate this thoughtfully.

Ensuring Authenticity and Respect: Using waiata appropriately means engaging with Māori perspectives and ensuring the songs are presented in a way that honours their origins.

Should English Translations Be Provided?

One common question is whether to provide an English translation for waiata or encourage congregation members to seek out meanings themselves. 

Some argue that providing translations allows for greater understanding and accessibility, helping non-Māori speakers engage more deeply with the worship experience. 

Others believe that not providing a translation encourages people to become more familiar with Te Reo Māori, respecting its status as a living language rather than treating it as something that needs to be mediated through English. 

Churches might consider striking a balance – perhaps offering an initial translation when introducing a waiata but encouraging deeper learning over time.

The Musical Nature of Waiata

Waiata often appear deceptively simple but have intricate musical elements that require careful attention. (For example, see the PDF sheet music for Wairua Tapu which has triplets, notes tied across beats, and varied note lengths.) 

The subtle rhythms, syncopations, and natural flow of Te Reo Māori syllables demand precise musical notation and dedicated rehearsal. 

Without proper preparation, a congregation may struggle to maintain the fluidity and spiritual depth of the song. 

Choirs and musicians who lead congregations in singing waiata should work closely with native speakers or experienced waiata singers to ensure they capture both the musical and cultural essence of the songs. 

Introducing Two Waiata

He Hōnore

Music: Taina Piripi Ngarimu (c. 1992)
Words: Ringatū prayer based on Luke 2:14

He hōnore, he korōria,
Maungārongo ki te whenua,
Whakaaro pai e ki ngā tāngata katoa,
Ake, ake, ake, ake, Āmine. 
Te Atua, Te piringa,
Toku oranga, Toku oranga.

Honour, glory,
Peace on earth,
Goodwill to all people,
Forever and ever, Amen.
God is my refuge,
My salvation, my life.

This waiata reflects the angelic proclamation of Luke 2:14, affirming the themes of peace, goodwill, and divine refuge. It encapsulates a universal Christian message while emphasising the Māori concept of piringa (refuge), resonating with the idea of God as a sheltering presence.

We sing the waiata through twice, raising the melody by a tone the second time round.

Wairua Tapu

Words & Music: Dr. Ngāpō (Bub) Wehi c. 1994

Wairua tapu tau mai rā,
Wairua tapu mai runga,
Uhia mai ngā taonga pai,
Homai tō aroha,
Wahia ka tika, 
Akona mai rā kia ū ki te pai, 
Horohia kia mau tonu rā, 
Mōhou te tino korōria.

Holy Spirit, descend upon us,
Holy Spirit from above,
Bestow upon us Your good gifts,
Give us Your love,
Break through in righteousness,
Teach us to hold fast to what is good,
Spread Your presence so it remains,
For Yours is the ultimate glory.

This waiata is an invocation of the Holy Spirit, emphasising divine presence, transformation, and righteousness. It aligns closely with Pentecostal themes while carrying the depth of Māori spirituality, which understands wairua (spirit) as an active, guiding force.

We sing the waiata through twice, then end by repeating the first line three times, gradually getting slower and fading out.

Summary

Introducing waiata into English-language church services is a powerful way to honour Te Reo Māori, enrich worship, and foster cultural understanding. 

While challenges exist, they can be overcome through education, practice, and openness to learning. 

Whether to provide English translations is a nuanced question, but encouraging deeper familiarity with Te Reo fosters greater respect and appreciation. 

With careful preparation and sensitivity, churches can ensure that singing waiata becomes a meaningful and spiritually enriching part of their worship life.

Try these waiata in your church services and leave a comment below about your how your congregation responded.

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Download links

He Hōnore: PDF melody line setting with chords | midi file | MP3 audio recording of the waiata being sung in our church

Wairua tapu: PDF melody line setting with chords | midi file | MP3 audio recording of the waiata being sung in our church

 

Nga mihi
Philip