Mellons Bay Waiata

Waiata were sung in public to express a range of emotions and to convey messages and experiences. Even today waiata still holds an important role in bringing the past into the present.

Traditional waiata lyrics were a way of recording and passing down knowledge and stories to present generations; knowledge like the historical celebrations and laments of iwi, ancestor and composer. These songs whether sung by individuals or groups were expressions of a shared history between singer(s) and audience.

Please click here to view our waiata.