Te Kereme:
Ngā Manu Tīoriori (The Songbirds) - The Library Waiata Group
Why Waiata? A perspective from a Waiata Group member
I like to sing I sing and hum along to myself most of the time and often get very strange looks from others along the way as I don't always realise that I am singing to myself. So thinking only of myself and my own pleasure, I joined the Library's Waiata group, realizing that here was a chance to sing while I worked and no-one would look twice if I hummed they would just think that I was practising waiata!
I knew nothing of Maori language, culture or waiata , and at first I didn't consciously try to learn any, but over the years I found that it has crept into my soul.
In the waiata group we have had several tutors who are so passionate about the language and the culture that you become involved and carried along by others' passion and you learn in spite of yourself and that is when understanding and knowledge begin.
The waiata group isvery warm and welcoming, full of laughter and fun and accepting of one's mistakes as well as one's dreadful pronunciation. It is a living expression of what 'whanau' really means.
The waiata group has taken me on a continuous and continuing journey of discovery. I have learnt so much about the importance of identity and the ties people have to where they come from and to what makes them who they are. In the process I have learnt so much about myself, who I am, where I came from and where I belong and for this I am so grateful.
Thelma Willett, Waiata Group member
The Library Waiata group was set up to represent the library at events both internal and external with a Māori voice.
Hear the Group sing the Karakia "Hutia Te Rito"
