Our Homeland Aotearoa
The Tui in the Kowhai
Words A. G. Hall, 1920s.     Music "Pretty Caroline", traditional

  1. When the Tui sits in the Kowhai tree
    and the sun tips the mountain tops with gold
    when the Rata blooms in the forest glade,
    and the hills glow with sunny tints untold.
    I love to roam through bush and fern
    and hear the Bellbird sing
    and feel the touch of the wind on my face
    while the joy in my heart does ring.

  2. There are some who long for coral sands
    and some for wind-swept plains
    while others roam the ocean wide
    then pine for home again.
    But give to me the care-free life
    by mountain, lake or shore
    of the lovely land of the Long White Cloud,
    Our Homeland Aotearoa.
NZ Folksong website