Nga Moteatea

Moteatea (sung laments) are at the heart of matauranga Maori or Maori cultural knowledge. They are the central strand of Maori poetry and song, a source of knowledge about tribal history and whakapapa (genealogy), and a living art form. Nga Moteatea: An Introduction / He Kupu Arataki is a short, accessible introduction to Apirana Ngata’s classic collection of moteatea and to the power and meaning of traditional Maori song. After outlining the origins of Ngata’s four volume NgaMoteatea collection, the book introduces the different styles of Maori song, the role of moteatea in traditional life, the cultural content of the songs, their tribal origins, the composers and composition process and the nature of the poetry in the songs. Ten examples of moteatea are provided to illustrate key themes. This book is a short introduction to moteatea aimed at schools and marae, students and teachers and performers – in fact anyone interested in learning and passing on the art and poetry of nga moteatea. With all text in both English and Maori, and illustrated throughout, Nga Moteatea: An Introduction provides an accessible introduction to a great Maori art.

Author Biography

Author Dr Jane McRae is an Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Maori Studies at The University of Auckland and a translator, researcher and editor of te reo Maori. She contributed to The Oxford History of New Zealand Literature, Rere Atu, Taku Manu! Discovering History Language and Politics in the Maori Language Newspapers and He Pitopito Korero no te Perehi Maori: Readings from the Maori Language Press. Translator Heni Jacob (Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Porou) worked at Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori/Maori Language Commission under Kingi Ihaka and Timoti Karetu, before leaving to take up Maori language writing, translation, editing and lexicographical work as a consultant. She was a senior writer and editor on He Pataka Kupu and Te Matatiki, the author of the second edition of Maori for The Office, and co-author of He Kohinga Kiwaha.