Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most beloved waiata. For international readers: waiata is the Māori word for song.
This powerful, uplifting song carries a message of unity. The opening line, “Tūtira mai ngā iwi,” translates to “Stand together, people.” With simple chords and a steady strum, it’s easy to learn and a joy to sing. Most importantly, it’s an energy-raiser—when a group sings this waiata, the room lights up.
A Personal Connection
One of my happiest school memories is singing Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi at Maungawhau Primary School. I was there for less than 18 months before my family moved overseas, but the joy of that music has stayed with me. I still love this song.
The only tricky bit? The third-to-last line—always a tongue twister. And now I know why: we’ve been singing it wrong for over 50 years!
Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi – The Story Of A Beloved Song
Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi was written in the 1950s by Reverend Canon Wiremu “Wī” Te Tau Huata (Ngāti Kahungunu), an influential Anglican minister and chaplain to the Māori Queen, Dame Te Atairangikāhu. He was deeply involved in ecumenical work and believed in unity across cultures and beliefs.
Wī Huata composed the waiata while driving past Lake Tūtira in Hawke’s Bay. His daughter, Ngatai Huata, shared in a TVNZ Te Karere interview that he wrote the song for all New Zealanders—regardless of race, creed or political stance.
Above: Lake Tutira photograph Michael Coghlan/ CC BY-SA 2.0
Despite its popularity, Reverend Huata’s contribution was unacknowledged for decades, and the version taught in schools included a major error in both lyrics and melody—especially in that infamous third-to-last line.
What’s the Correct Line?
The correct version, according to the Huata whānau, is:
“Kia tapatahi” – which translates roughly as “Think as one.”
The widely taught version doesn’t even make grammatical sense in te reo Māori.
Understandably, the Huata family has been frustrated about this misrepresentation. But I’m so glad they spoke up.
Waiata with Meaning and Mana
I’ve sung Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi in many settings—including at the dementia care facility where my mother lived. It always lifted the mood and connected people, no matter their age or background.
Here’s a video of the Huata whānau singing the waiata in beautiful harmony, with the correct version.
And here’s the new Aotearoa Songbook that includes the updated lyrics, melody, and chords—though not in a ukulele-friendly key!
Want to play it on the ukulele? I’ve made a YouTube tutorial with simple chords, strumming tips, and the corrected lyrics.
I’m pretty sure I’ve got it right this time. I’ve done my best with pronunciation—apologies for any imperfections. If a better version appears, I’ll gladly share it.
Gratitude to Canon Wī Huata for gifting us this treasure of a song.
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The Magic of Three-chord Songs
Why Kids Need Music – And How You Can Help With A Ukulele