Introduction:

This oriori was composed for a pēpi called Whaiāriki.

It can be adapted by changing baby's name and the names of the iwi specific lyrics as detailed in the translation below.

The oriori has been shared with the permission of Whaiāriki's whānau.

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou e ngā whanaunga o Te Tai Poutini.

Kupu:

Mā te ara namunamu koe kōkiri ai ki te whaiao, ki te ao mārama
Ināianei ko ōu waewae ki te whenua hou nei o ōu tīpuna
Tipua mai, whāngai mai i te ūkaipō o ōu pōua, ōu tāua mā, o ōu hākoro, o ōu hākui hoki
He rangatira koe mō āpōpō, māu tō tūranga tawhito e rapu ai e
Nau mai e te uri nei a *Kurakura Kāi Tahu, a *Kāti Waewae, a *Makaawhio
Okea ururoatia... *Whaiāriki

Translation:

Through the birth canal you have entered into the world of light.
Now, your feet are on a new whenua of your ancestors.
Grow and feed from the source of sustenance of your grandfathers, grandmothers, of your fathers and of your mothers.
You are a leader for tomorrow, may you find your ancient standing place set aside by your ancestors.
Welcome descendant of Tahu, of Waewae, of Makaawhio.
Whaiāriki be relentless in your pursuits like the great white shark.

Notes:

The waiata features a play on words with 'whenua' and in this instance 'waewae' as the child of Ngāti Waewae descent.

*The highlighted/underlined parts should be changed to be appropriate for pēpi and their own whakapapa/heritage.

© Solomon Rahui