Tribute to Te Orohi Paul

Taku whakanui i ā koe Te Orohi

Te Orohi, ko koe hoki he kōrari e pihi ake ana i te pā harakeke.
Te Orohi ko ō kupu kōrero i waiho mai
he waihonga hei whakatenatena i te korokī a te pōkai Tūī,
i te waiata a te hui Rearea,
arā te kākākura o Tūhoe Pōtiki e.

Waiho mai, kia tangihia koe e ō iwi.
Waiho mai, kia kōrerohia koe e ō iwi.
Waiho mai, kia whakarangatira koe e ō iwi.
Waiho mai, kia whai mai koe e ō iwi.

E korekore rawa koe e warewaretia.

Te Orohi, you are a flower stem that grows on the flax bush.

Te Orohi, your words you have left, will forever encourage the chatter amongst the assembly of the Tūī, and the singing at the gathering of the Bell-Birds, alas you, the leading Kākā bird (spokesperson) of Tūhoe Pōtiki.

Farewell, to be mourned by your people
Farewell, to be spoken about by everyone
Farewell, so your people can remember your great achievements
Farewell, so you may be followed by everyone.

Lest we forget.