Ms Fruchtman's Class Song- Karangatia Ra

Ms. Fruchtman's class song is called "Karangatia Ra" and is a welcome song from the Maori people of New Zealand. New Zealand is a series of large islands to the southeast of Australia in the pacific Ocean. The native people call themselves Maoris, which means “people of the land.” It is believed that New Zealand was settled by Polynesians who arrived on the islands by canoe around 1300 AD. Sometimes the people of New Zealand are called Kiwis. This is referring to their national bird, the flightless kiwi. Although there are over 4 million people in New Zealand, only about 15 % of the population are native Maoris. Many of the people in New Zealand are descended from Europe. Native dress is similar for men and women, with skirts called piupiu made from the flax plant. Both men and women often have tattoos on their face and bodies.

This song will be performed in the native Maori language. Here are the lyrics as well as a pronunciation guide and translation of the text:

Lyrics:

Ka-ran-ga-ti-a ra
(repeat)
Po-whiri-ti-a ra
Nga i-wi o te mo-tu
Ki te-nei ma-rae
Ha-e-re mai
He hui a ro-ha
Mo kou-tou e te-i-wi
Na-u nei te a-ro-ha
Me te ma-mae

Pronunciation:

kah-rah(n)-gah-tee-ah rah
(repeat)
poh-fee-ree-tee-ah ra
nah ee-wee oh tay moh-too
kee teh-neh mah-rai
hah-eh-reh mayh
heh hooee ah roh-hah
moh koo-too eh teh ee wee
nah-oo neh teh ah-roh-hah
meh teh mah-mai

Translation:

Travelers we.
Travelers we.
With provisions
From the Islands of our ancestors.
We speak here at our sacred entrance
A greeting of love,
For you are our family.
To you we give greetings,
Expressions of love.