Toi Whenua (vocal version)

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TEACHING SUGGESTIONS

“Toi Whenua”, says Kua Ranea Aperahama, “is the wonderland; a land of milk and honey; a place where dreams can come true.”

This track, by Ranea & Awha, was commissioned by Te Mangai Paho (Maori Broadcasting Funding Agency) and recorded by Tangata Records in 2006. Ranea & Awha are Kua Ranea and his four children, Winitana, Te Kotuku, Paiheretia, and Ngapera.
“Toi Whenua” is based on a chant used when launching waka. “Takahia te ara namunamu taiao” refers to the womb and the narrow canal that every child must travel through and endure when entering the world.

“This song is about my aspirations for my children, like a waka setting its course towards the warmth of the sun, knowing that trials and tribulations are inevitable along the way,” Kua Ranea explains. “The waka must remain focused towards its destination.”
Kua Ranea Aperahama is of Mōrehu descent. His father has Ngāti Kurī, Te Aupōuri, and Pohutiare affiliations. His mother has Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Piki Ahu Waewae, and Ngāti Tūrangitukua connections.

MEANING OF THE SONG

There is no strict, line-by-line translation for this very poetic waiata. Kua Ranea offers an outline to the meaning of the waiata for us:

“Toi Whenua is an amazing land. Toi Whenua, a land of dreams. Toi Whenua, a land filled with milk and honey. Toi Whenua, the wonderland! Toi Whenua, the place where dreams are realised. To all children, we beckon – arise! Let us rise in unity, let us raise our paddles in unity to the lands, to the heavens. Persevere, no matter the trials and tribulations that life may present, paddle on and follow your dream! We align the stern of our vessel to the rising of the sun, hold fast and remain on your course, yeah! Yonder is the Toi Whenua!”

For more teaching suggestions go to
artsonline.tki.org.nz/Teaching-and-Learning/Secondary-teaching-resources/Music-Sound-Arts/Units-and-sequences/Into-Music-1-Classroom-Music-in-Years-1-3

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For further resources and support go to
– menza.co.nz/
– onza.nz/
– nzukulele.org.nz/