"Pōkarekare Ana" holds a special place in New Zealand’s heart, often regarded as the nation’s unofficial anthem. Its haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics resonate deeply, stirring profound emotions and evoking cherished memories. With every note, the song weaves a tapestry of connection, fostering an enduring unity among New Zealanders that transcends time and generations. More than a simple love song, Pōkarekare Ana carries the weight of history. Its origins trace back to the First World War, where it became a poignant hymn of longing and devotion. The song’s piercing beauty reflects the sacrifices of Kiwi soldiers who perished on distant battlefields, embodying both the ache of loss and the enduring power of love. This timeless piece transcends its musical form, serving as a mirror of New Zealand’s collective soul—a testament to love, resilience, and the shared heritage that binds the nation together. At the end of this article, I encourage you to listen to this extraordinary song. But first, let’s uncover the fascinating stories behind its enduring legacy.
Etymology and Symbolism
The title "Pōkarekare Ana" encapsulates the depth of emotion and the intricate feelings expressed in the song. In the Māori language, pōkarekare evokes the imagery of inner turmoil—a restless, storm-like disturbance of the heart. This term conveys a state of emotional turbulence, an intensity that is difficult to control. The word ana, on the other hand, suggests continuity, hinting at a persistent, recurring experience that remains unresolved. Together, the title can be interpreted as a metaphor for all-consuming love, capturing sentiments such as “Your love endlessly troubles me” or “I am perpetually unsettled by your love.” These layered meanings beautifully convey the overwhelming longing and anxiety brought on by love or separation, imbuing the song with a universal emotional resonance that transcends language and culture.
Shaping a National Identity
"Pōkarekare Ana" emerged in the early 20th century, quickly becoming a symbol of New Zealand's evolving national consciousness. The song seamlessly intertwines Māori and Pākehā (European) cultural elements, marking a pivotal moment of fusion between indigenous traditions and colonial influences. It transcends mere artistic expression, serving as a unifying force that fosters a sense of community in a nation defined by its ethnic diversity. Like a delicate thread woven into the fabric of national identity, Pōkarekare Ana has endured through the years, resonating in a country with a relatively young history of just two centuries. Within this brief yet dynamic period, New Zealand has skillfully intertwined the traditions and experiences of its varied cultures, creating a rich and distinctive mosaic of identity. While the process of identity formation remains ongoing, songs like Pōkarekare Ana provide a shared cultural language—an enduring echo of the past that offers inspiration and unity as New Zealand continues its journey toward an inclusive and cohesive future.
The Origins of a Timeless Anthem
The origins of "Pōkarekare Ana" remain enigmatic, with no single author attributed to its creation. Māori politicians and leaders Paraire Tomoana and Āpirana Ngata facilitated its publication in 1919, yet neither claimed to have composed the song. They remarked that it “emanated from North Auckland,” born from the collective creativity of the Māori community. The song’s popularity surged during the First World War, as soldiers training near Auckland adopted it before departing for the European front. "Pōkarekare Ana" became emblematic of the soldier’s longing, a heartfelt expression of the desire to return home to loved ones and the comforts of normal life. Although not originally intended as a war anthem, it naturally assumed this role, carrying profound emotional weight during the conflict. Remarkably, the original Māori lyrics have remained largely unchanged over time, with only minor variations, such as the names of places mentioned in the song. This preservation lends "Pōkarekare Ana" a timeless quality, bridging generations and fostering a deep sense of identity and belonging within New Zealand’s cultural fabric.
Rotorua vs Waiapu
Different variations of "Pōkarekare Ana" are tied to distinct locations, each adding unique cultural and emotional layers to the song. Some versions reference Lake Rotorua, a site deeply rooted in Māori culture, often linked to the legendary love story of Hinemoa and Tūtānekai. In this tale, Hinemoa swims across the lake to Mokoia Island to unite with her forbidden lover, imbuing the song with a romantic and mythological essence. The term Waiapu, on the other hand, refers to a river or watercourse in New Zealand, symbolizing the profound connection between people and nature—a cornerstone of Māori culture where water holds spiritual and practical significance. Waiapu may also represent a place of historical and cultural importance to the Māori people, enriching the song with additional layers of meaning. Over time, "Pōkarekare Ana" has been translated into English, with each rendition reflecting the cultural interpretations and sensibilities of its era. These variations highlight the enduring adaptability of the song while maintaining its deep roots in Māori tradition and storytelling.
The Message in Te Reo Māori
The opening verse of "Pōkarekare Ana" conveys a profound sense of longing and connection, centered around Waiapu—a symbolic place reflecting the Māori affinity with nature and the environment: "Pōkarekare ana, ngā wai o Waiapu. Whiti atu koe hine, marino ana e." This stanza encapsulates the inner turmoil of separation, juxtaposed with the calm brought by the memory of a loved one. The waters of Waiapu become a metaphor for the ebb and flow of emotions, expressing both anxiety and solace. In the chorus, the anguish of separation is entwined with an urgent yearning for reunion: "E hine e, hoki mai rā,
Ka mate ahau, i te aroha e." (“Come back, dear, for I am overcome by love.”). These words vividly capture the heartache of physical and emotional distance, emphasizing the intensity of love and longing. The following verses introduce symbols of connection—letters and a ring—as tokens of love and desire, sent to convey the depth of feeling to the absent beloved: "Tuhituhi taku reta, tuku atu taku rīngi, Kia kite tō iwi, raru raru ana e." (“I write my letter, I send my ring, So your people may see how troubled I am.”). Another verse speaks of "feathers" and "pepa" (paper), representing the fragile yet enduring attempts to communicate love across barriers: "Whati whati taku pene, ka pau aku pepa, Ko taku aroha, mau tonu ana e." (“My pen breaks, my paper is all used, But my love remains steadfast.”). Through these poignant lines, the song captures the essence of unyielding love, yearning, and the enduring effort to bridge separation, offering a timeless and universal message that continues to resonate. The closing lines of "Pōkarekare Ana" underscore the enduring nature of love, even in the face of time and adversity. Through the imagery of unceasing tears, the song conveys an unwavering emotional depth: "E kore te aroha, e maroke i te rā, Mākūkū tonu i, aku roimata e." (“Love will not dry up in the sun; My tears will keep it moist.”). These evocative lines transform the song into a tapestry of emotional metaphors, capturing both the anguish of unrequited love and the persistent hope for reunion. "Pōkarekare Ana" thus stands as a timeless reflection of love’s resilience, its ability to endure through pain and separation, and its power to inspire hope even in the face of heartache.
Healing through Music
The first time I heard "Pōkarekare Ana" was at a profoundly poignant moment: a funeral. Having grown up immersed in Romanian traditions, where mourning is marked by deep solemnity, flowing tears, and unrestrained expressions of grief, I was struck by the contrast. Here, an entire congregation sang this song with rare emotion—but also with genuine smiles. It was as though the music momentarily softened the weight of loss, replacing sorrow with a gentle sense of peace and connection. The lyrics, paired with the tender harmony, seemed to weave an invisible thread among those present, uniting their souls in shared remembrance. It was a powerful reminder of life’s beauty and the eternal bonds between the living and the departed. This experience left me reflecting on the universal power of music—the way it can transform even the heaviest moments into opportunities for communion, resilience, and hope.
An Ageless Song
More than any other melody, "Pōkarekare Ana" stands as a cultural emblem of New Zealand, deeply ingrained in the nation’s identity. Over the years, it has been adapted and used across diverse contexts, from advertising to major national events, cementing its place as a symbol of unity and pride. One notable reinterpretation occurred in 1987, when the song was adapted as "Sailing Away" to rally support for New Zealand’s America’s Cup yachting challenge. This version was performed by a celebrity choir called All of Us, further embedding the song in the collective consciousness. The song has also played a central role in advertising, particularly in campaigns for Air New Zealand during the 1990s and 2000s. A remarkable rendition featuring the renowned soprano Kiri Te Kanawa was used to promote the airline, pairing the song’s timeless grace with the spirit of national pride. In 2020, Air New Zealand revisited this iconic piece to celebrate its 80th anniversary. This time, the performance was by acclaimed singer Hayley Westenra, underscoring the enduring legacy of "Pōkarekare Ana" as a unifying and inspirational anthem for New Zealanders.
Song of Solidarity
In April 2013, "Pōkarekare Ana" was sung in the New Zealand Parliament, resonating with a profound sense of solidarity and celebration following the passage of the historic bill legalizing same-sex marriage. Members of Parliament and spectators alike embraced the song as a powerful tribute to progress and unity, interpreting it as a symbol of love, equality, and acceptance. In this moment, "Pōkarekare Ana" transcended its origins as a simple love song, evolving into a central anthem that reflects and champions New Zealand’s values, identity, and commitment to social progress.
Recordings and Adaptations
Over the decades, "Pōkarekare Ana" has been interpreted and recorded by numerous artists around the world, with each version offering a unique take on this iconic New Zealand song. One of the earliest notable recordings was made by Rhonda Bryers, featured on the 1981 CBS album The Mauri Hikitia, a collection that brought together various artists. In 1984, renowned French pianist Richard Clayderman recorded an instrumental version of the song for his album Memories, adding a distinctly classical touch to the melody. The song has also been embraced by New Zealand opera singers, including Malvina Major, whose performance infused the lyrics with elegance and sophistication. Another pivotal moment came in 2003, when New Zealand artist Hayley Westenra included "Pōkarekare Ana" on her album Pure. Later, the British classical music group Angelis covered the song on their eponymous album. In 2011, British singer Hollie Steel recorded the song for the album Classical-Crossover Compilation, later releasing it as a charity single to support victims of the Christchurch earthquake. Through these diverse renditions, "Pōkarekare Ana" has continued to evolve, resonating with audiences worldwide while remaining a powerful symbol of New Zealand’s cultural identity.
Instead of conclusion
"Pōkarekare Ana" holds deep cultural significance as one of New Zealand’s most cherished traditional Māori ballads. Composed in the early 20th century, it tells a poignant story of love, capturing the longing and devotion of two lovers separated by troubled waters (pokarekare). With its simple yet profound melody and poetic lyrics, the song has become a symbol of love, unity, and human connection. Its importance goes beyond cultural boundaries, evolving into an iconic anthem that represents Aotearoa’s national identity. For me, and for many others, "Pōkarekare Ana" is far more than just a love story; it embodies the deep connection between people, nature, and spirituality. It is a piece that inspires unity, offers comfort, and fosters hope, bringing moments of peace and reflection in both joyous and sorrowful times. The fact that it continues to touch so many hearts, regardless of cultural background, speaks to the universal power of music to convey profound emotions. As promised, I now share with you a selection of some remarkable renditions of this beautiful song.
Pokarekare Ana - Original lyrics - Hayley Westenra
Pokarekare Ana - British Choral Group Angelis
Pokarekare Ana - Noua Zealanda Turism
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