(leader)  Tena taka he yaa!

Uhi Tai! Uhi Tai!  Yaaa!
Uhi Tai! Uhi Tai!  Yaaa!

Uhi Tai! Uhi Tai!  Yaaa!
Uhi Tai! Uhi Tai!  Yaaa!

Uhi Tai una koha!!!
E he mana kai Papakura!!!
E tu tuki tu wai wai!!!
Ki te poru to mahinga!!!

Uhi Tai! Uhi Tai!

(repeat)
        

Bombardier Tawhiwhi Brown was a Vietnam veteran. This haka was first performed by the battery at the dedication ceremony of 1 Battalion RNZIR marae in Singapore in 1972.

It was used by members of the Battery during the period 1972-1976 as the lead in to any Maori concert. Members of 161 Battery performed it in Singapore, Malaya, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

It was very simple to learn, very poignant, involved lots of pukana (eyes) and actions, and was a real crowd pleaser.

-Ko Nga Waka
-Manini Waka

Song List - Other Maori Songs - Home

Published July 13, 2000