Tu mai awa

TU MAI AWA - HE KARAKIA
This is the karakia that was recited by Ruawharo, principal tohunga of the Takitimu waka, at the launch of the waka in Hawaiki, at the beginning of the journey to Aotearoa. It has been adapted for use by our iwi in Wairarapa. The karakia is appropriate for the beginning of any journey and calls for smooth weather on the voyage.
Tu mai awa, tu mai moana
Ko koe kei takahia noatia e au
Tupe au nuku, tupe au rangi
Whati ki runga, whati ki raro
Uru marangaranga
Pera hoki ra taku manu nui na Tane
Ka tatau atu ki roto o nuku ngahere
Maia whiwhia, maia rawea, maia whakatakahia
Ka taka te huki rawea,
Koro i runga, koro i raro
Koro i Tawhirimatea ki kona ra koe tu mai ai
Ka hura te Tamatea nunui, ka hura te Tamatea roroa
Te kaua ka nuku, te kaua ka rangi
Te aio a nuku te aio a rangi
Te kura mai hukihuki te kawe au tetere
Kawe a nuku, kawe a tai oi
Tumatakokiritia
Hoatu waka ki uta
Hoatu waka ki tai
Ngaru hinga atu, ngaru hinga mai
I runga te mata wahine, i raro te mata tane
Huki nawenawe
Tenei te waka ka whakairihia
Ko Takitimu te waka
Ko Tamatea te tangata o runga
Tenei te waka ka whakairihia
Ko Kurahaupo te waka
Ko Whatonga te tangata
Eke Panuku, eke Tangaroa
Whano, whano, haramai te toki
Haumi e, hui e taiki e!