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Some Karakia are traditional, and some are contemporary, some are religious, and some are not. Some are chanted, some are sung, and some are shared softly. They are a means of achieving oneness - one with the atua (God), one with tīpuna (ancestors) and one with events of the past. and have their own traditional structure, symbols and rituals, their concern is the whole of the universe, earth, sea and sky and into the night.
They are generally used to ensure a favourable outcome to important events and undertakings such as tangihanga (the ritual of farewell to our deceased), hui (meetings), unveilings etc., however they can cover every aspect of life. For example: welcoming the dawn and farewelling the day, to ensure a safe journey, for different types of illness, when undertaking tā moko (tribal 'tatoo') and more. Karakia, in their true essence, are ritual chants invoking spiritual guidance and protection.
Including Karakia at work
Karakia is part of our tikanga, and it is appropriate to include them at the beginning and end of meetings or gatherings, and before eating food.
Choose a Karakia that aligns with the Kaupapa | purpose of the meeting, for example the intention might be to connect, energise, drive, or calm and the choice of Karakia should support the intention and context of the meeting.
We encourage everyone to incorporate Karakia as part of their work practice. If you are new to using Karakia or are not feeling confident, choose a simple Karakia and practice it before you speak. Ask a friend or colleague to help you prepare.
Choose a Karakia that aligns with the Kaupapa | purpose of the meeting, for example the intention might be to connect, energise, drive, or calm and the choice of Karakia should support the intention and context of the meeting.
We encourage everyone to incorporate Karakia as part of their work practice. If you are new to using Karakia or are not feeling confident, choose a simple Karakia and practice it before you speak. Ask a friend or colleague to help you prepare.
Karakia timatanga (To open)
Kia Hora Te Marino
(May Peace Be Widespread)
Kia Hora Te Marino is a setting of a traditional Maori blessing, used as a benediction to conclude Calling All Dawns. While the opening wordless chorus is evocative of the maritime imagery found in much Maori writing
Whakataka
(can mean both 'prepare for' and 'make a change in direction)
'Whakataka' is a modification of the final stanza of 'Tua, Tua,' a longer karakia telling how the waka Takitimu survived a storm when exploring the coast of South Westland because it was well-built and well-managed. It reminds us that the great natural forces can harm us, but if we work hard preparing for them, and then respond in harmony with them and in harmony with our ancestors' response, we are rewarded with warmth and calm, both literally and spiritually.
Cease the winds from the west
cease the winds from the south
let the breeze blow over the land
let the breeze blow over the ocean
let the red-tipped dawn come with a sharpened air.
a thought of frost, a promise of a glorious day.
Te Mauri o Rongo
May the blessing of the hidden things be with us allUpon each and every one of us May the fruits of diligence be abundant May the words be persuasive May the authority be persuasive May love be present May good health be present Hold fast to the cross-poles, secure them Bind, BindGather and unite
Pou Hihiri
May clarity be yoursMay understanding be yoursThrough reflections Through personal endeavourThrough respect The virtues which bind us as one May we be filled with wellbeing
Haumi ē. Hui ē. Tāiki ē
He karakia mō te ata - a prayer to start the day
Awesome karakia to start your day with especially if you can hear the birds singing outside
There is the voice of birdsHeralding daylightAs the sun entersBetween the sky fatherAnd the earth motherSky father aboveEarth mother belowRangi's tears fallPapatūānuku's mist risesThus a signThat we shall live in light and darknessThis is my commitment to themGather unite!!
Karakia Whakamutunga (To close a meeting)
Karakia mō te kai – To bless food
