Waiata

There were a few uncomfortable grins, downcast eyes and faces hidden behind long hair for our first video of Room 9 singing a waiata.  But after watching ourselves on film we decided it would look better appearing confident even if we didn't feel it inside!  So we did another take (or 2 or 3?).

We've sung this waiata in the mornings to help us learn the days of the week and improve our pronunciation of te reo.  What do you think?  Ka pai?

Ko te aha tēnei rā? from JB on Vimeo.

Here is the maori/english translation:

Ko te Mane, rā tahi, mahi au e

Ko te Tūrei, rā rua, kia kaha e

Ko te Wenerei, rā toru, pupuritia

Ko te Tāite, rā whā, ka heke e

Paraire, ka mutu ngā mahi e

Hatarei, Rāhoroi, tākaro e

Rātapu, ka tau, ka inoie

Ka mutu ngā rangi o te wiki e

It's Monday, day one, and I'm working

It's Tuesday, day two, and staying strong

It's Wednesday, day three, and persevering

It's Thursday, day four, and getting tired

It's Friday, day five, and work is over

It's Saturday and time to play

It's Sunday, time for rest and prayer*

These are the days of the week.

*Note:  if you are religious of course!