I te pō

Written by: Rob Ruha
Performed by: Rob Ruha, Neha, Te Waru, Ngākuru, Faith, Kaaterama & Michael a.k.a "The Rū-Cru"
Te piki kōtuku kua riro atu rā
Kua rere atu rā koe ki ngā rangi i runga
Ki o rahi, ki o nui i te pō
Waiho mai au, mokemoke ai - i te pō, i te pō
E te rau aroha kua taka iho rā
My rare white heron that has been taken...
You have flown to the heavens above,
To your many loved ones of the night
Leaving me lost and alone in darkness
My adored feather of affection that has fallen...
Written back in 2010 for an uncle that tragically passed away , I never sang it anywhere. While in Guam this year (2016) another uncle who I loved very much passed away and I could not return to his tangihanga in Whangaparaoa... I was broken :( This song came straight back to me in an instant. On my return I ran a workshop with akonga from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata and I taught the waiata to them. Within minutes, they had the feel, arrangement and parts sussed... and the rest is history.
If this song moves you, heals you or touches you in any way, please feel free to sing it or play it.
Dedicated to uncle John Waenga and uncle Ray Barrett.
Arohanui - ROB

[@gordonmcfadyen4219]

I'm a Scotsman, my wife lived in Picton and then Wanganui when she was younger, I know she aches to see NZ again,...... one day❤

[@THAIB76]

Lyrics: Te piki kōtuku kua riro atu rā Kua rere atu rā koe ki ngā rangi i runga Ki o rahi, ki o nui i te pō Waiho mai au, mokemoke ai - i te pō, i te pō E te rau aroha kua taka iho rā Kua rere atu rā koe ki ngā rangi i runga Ki o rahi, ki o nui i te pō Waiho mai au, mokemoke ai - i te pō, i te pō My rare white heron that has been taken... You have flown to the heavens above, To your many loved ones of the night Leaving me lost and alone in the darkness My adored feather of affection that has fallen...

[@MissyB-M]

KIA ORA 👍

[@nikiTricoteuse]

Thank you so much. I was just thinking how nice it would be to have the lyrics.

[@evapick1566]

@@nikiTricoteuseNgā mihi

[@bherewini2415]

Kia Ora ❤

[@AntonioOka]

Lovely my bro, just need those beautiful chords

[@tekunaparker4446]

My wife sing it when she feels bad and then reminds me that... The day that she'll pass away She want me to sing it for her. Thank you for this song Aroha nui from Tahiti.

[@picklexp1161]

omgg tahiti

[@hockeydo5433]

I'm Dutch (whenua iti) but I sing this song everyday wholehearted with all my love for my deceased wife who passed away 6 years ago. Hongi teina.

[@allaneastcampbell7856]

The Language of Aoteroa New Zealand Maor i🇳🇿

[@jackrifle5068]

3:15 My wife Aunty passed away yesterday, and whānau want me to sing this waiata next week. The nehu is on 20 December 2023

[@lixaeureka]

I lost my greatest love and our unborn pēpi.. he's still alive but with a new wāhine. I'm a filipina living in the UK but I fell in love with Aotearoa when i visited and started learning te reo māori, it remains my goal and dream to move to NZ despite all the bitter feelings and no longer having anyone in Aotearoa that i know and can be there with me. This song is very healing and touching to listen to and sing along to. NUI TE AROHA

[@karenrobinson4637]

I don't know your language, but I don't need too. As I feel it in my heart and soul x Thank you

[@martintheiss743]

traditional NZ Polynesian. They are close cousins to US Hawaiians.

[@mkt1037]

Māori people

[@anikalaupua5826]

Māori

[@andredowning5750]

@Remy Huritu bro I'm maori myself and I dont understand most of it so fuck up

[@Tarere2K]

@Remy Huritu Quite possibly the dumbest comment I've ever seen on YT periodt👌🏽

[@rayfab73]

I am a pakeha whaea exploring waiata this evening to improve my pronunciation. This is a truly touching melody with very special words. Thank you for sharing with us. Aroha nui from Westie Auckland

[@ccanc6457]

Arohanui e te whaea

[@robbiejenkins4379]

God bless you, I am a Maori on my Reo Maori journey, all the very best.

[@milletahiwi2160]

Te piki kotuku kua riro atu ra kua rere atu ra koe o nga rangi ki runga ki o rahi ki o nui i te po waiho mai au mokemoke ai -i te po-i te po E te rau aroha kua taka iho ra

[@meianacurd8439]

Cool

[@normantewara8406]

Mint

[@Eyaneeka]

Thanks

[@nanamc8295]

Beautiful whanau 😍😍

[@sharonwitana8738]

Kia pai

[@loyalbell2143]

) Te piki kōtuku kua riro atu rā(*)Kua rere atu rā koe ki ngā rangi i rungaKi o rahi, ki o nui i te pōWaiho mai au, mokemoke ai - i te pō, i te pōv2.) E te rau aroha kua taka iho rā(repeat*)

[@paulajohnston2396]

My sister and brother sang this at my husbands tangi recently. Lost him at 47yrs. My poor husband suffered a lifetime in silence only to give up his battle. Miss him everyday

[@BobbyLeighMedia]

❤❤

[@AROHA-NUI]

💚💜😘✨

[@waynelambert4025]

❤

[@antonposa5345]

Much love to you Paula. May your husband rest in peace.

[@alexandriarogers-vonhoff3934]

Arohanui (much love) ❤❤❤

[@fcgb3379]

We listen to this from France🇫🇷. Nice song.

[@robruha9415]

Wow! That is awesome!

[@tihannamason3080]

Nyiso ju hi hi

[@whatsneeded6579]

Cool whanau love you song

[@tawhitosoloman2863]

Cilla Ruha sdhdhcbjkgjkuj

[@thoneskyline8329]

Moi aussi 😊

[@harmonykalama2298]

ALOHA from Hawai'i ❤❤❤

[@tipenekopua-smith7662]

Kia ora from aotearoa

[@loct5370]

I've listened to this version heaps over the years. Suddenly tonight, stupid me, I just clicked how clean the guitaring is! This waiata just got elevated again.

[@vinoliamonethi102]

Wow wow Am from South Africa 🇿🇦 I can hear absolutely nothing but I love this waiata😀 👌beautiful

[@sj227]

Still jamming in 2022🔥🔥 Nice song🤙 Greetings from France👊🇨🇵

[@jackrifle5068]

Kia ora Matua, Haki Raiwhara here my wife Aunty passed away and the whānau would like me to sing this waiata at her nehu next week, 20 December 2023, Auckland. Bit nervous, but I'll give it a go ❤

[@pamsters]

I don’t even speak the language, didn’t know what they were saying at first, but when I purely listen to this song, only tears flowed. This is a beautiful song and arrangement. Music is magical. Thank you for sharing!

[@raieemiitoocool]

You’re welcome, as i am part maori

[@kaiparamakoare5794]

Loveeeeeeeeeeee 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@wiremueketone4722]

Wow, since ive heard this waiata, ive played it almost every night before i shut my eyes. This waiata hits that sweet spot. I lost my son back in 2010. In 2011 we had 2 feathers with the words la'u lupe ( my dove ) put on his headstone, so this waiata is so touching. Kia ora rob 😊

[@kayspakitoa6986]

So would you say you've played it "i te pō"? Haha

[@abrown2130]

Ka aroha neph xx

[@shirleybiddle8107]

Bless brother 🙌🏾

[@robrobiti]

Apparently what I needed was a Saturday morning cry 🙏. Beautiful

[@tonyjk8084]

I just had a Thursday 'halli bag"lol

[@jiara01]

Ohh... just came across this for the first time tonight. It is a sad day for Maori and this song just hits the mark of today. Just beautiful. Amine x

[@Havalaf24]

Heard this in Cornwall, UK. This touched my soul. One Love and Blessings to all .

[@ladysegula8340]

Very great voices and absolutely beautiful song 🎤🎶🎵🎼👍 Music greetz from the Netherlands 💜

[@Nenes2626]

I have had this song on repeat all day. This song reminds me of my Dad and 1st cousin. They passed 3months apart back in 2016 x. Love it.

[@JJPopham]

someone like this so i can come back.

[@reeveshanara2799]

Listen to this at work, just moved to aus this makes me miss home so much our people have so much talent Maori Loud and Proud

[@cinjyn]

Beautiful Rob and whanau

[@Sal_s24]

I can't stop watching this. ❤️❤️

[@heikuratemauri9716]

Love your song my friend Rob arohanui whanau from Tahiti 🥰 Lani

[@CITA7687]

My heart swells with pride every time I hear these beautiful, humble, talented kids. And I dont even know any of them. Thank you guys, you are superstars!

[@milikapm]

Beautiful! I have lost so many loved ones recently--love this!

[@crystalpaterson3111]

Extremely beautiful!! I would be blessed if I left this world to this waiata, sung so beautifully by these talented individuals. You are a true poet, to invoke such an emotional connection. Keep creating, keep inspiring.

[@robruha9415]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@karink985]

They are singing with so much heart in it, I do not understand your language but it made me tear up.❤❤

[@dwightruckes8304]

From a Brother from over seas and still learning Maori, I love the Song!Well Done!!!

[@samos343guiltyspark]

I too should get down to learning the language properly, I would like to phase out using English for myself one day and only use it when I have to which will still be often anyway. I also wanna learn the Maori languages of all the Pacific, to deeply understand our language the way our most ancient ancestors may have.

[@momikaiakapu9952]

He u’i loa ‘oukou I ka mele💕

[@aleeshagraham9631]

Beautiful waiata ❤❤❤❤

[@travisgreenleaf8858]

Aloha e koʻu hoahānau! Maikaʻi nō kēia! Much love from cousins of Hawaiʻi.

[@raieemiitoocool]

Kia ora!

[@sharonwitana8738]

Kia ora

[@Originalisa]

Aloha hoahānau 👊🏽💓 tēna koe e te whanaunga

[@riap5148]

Beautiful words, beautiful voices - beautiful tribute song for your uncles 🙏🏻

[@quadriellfaiva2814]

Watched this video 15 times and still counting, can't get enough of this rare talent... Keep it up coz you guys have something special. The boy singing the low part, you solid my bro and the girl closest to the camera, seki singing... But all of you guys together omg, music to my ears but heaven to watch💕💪💪

[@quadriellfaiva2814]

Bro I swear who ever those 6 people who disliked this video are so clueless... I bet their jealous 😂

[@reneeditminepage8738]

Yesss

[@mkt1037]

*147* ☝🏽😬

[@kidsgamingaccount9150]

Exactly

[@CJCappella]

Quadriell Faiva -they’re not their...

[@huhanarokx-potae942]

Dumb....

[@mysticmaori9146]

It’s been sooooo long that I’ve been listening to this and it’s still as beautiful as when I first heard it I love this waiata

[@naalehuuhelaan2563]

I LOVE THIS SONG!!!! 😘 MAHALO NUI!!!!

[@mihioragage2990]

Ka rawe👍👍👌

[@destinytolevu8392]

Tena koe Rob... thank you for the music, the words, the healing, the emotions - just beautiful

[@atomant8135]

Auē, mahalo a nui iā ʻoukou! Ua nahenahe maoli nō!

[@candicoromandel4120]

Kia ora Rob. Thanks for sharing your waiata online. My uncle passed away yesterday evening, and this has been on repeat for me, the last hour. It has been very healing. Much love to "The Rū-Cru". LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this x Royal

[@mihiteruarewarangitaawa8946]

Gee our Tamariki can sing can't they? Beautiful souls... Beautiful Waiata...Thank you.

[@BettyFodor]

Ataahua waiata. Tēnā koe. Wonderful choir job too. Talented singers. Bravissimo. 💗💗💗

[@lisaoreilly8287]

Hi all... any chance we could have a translation? I just love seeing all your faces singing with such love. The Maori People are an inspiration to other Indigenous people when the youth learn and love their culture. Thank you so much, this was beautiful!! ❤️🤜🏾🤛🏼

[@unknownmess9707]

we sing it for the people that have passed basically

[@journey2761]

This loosely translates to: My rare white heron That has been taken from me You have flown To the heavens above To your many loved ones of the night Leaving me lost and alone in darkness My adorned feather of affection That has fallen

[@narubell8816]

It’s in the description

[@sixthsenseamelia4695]

@@journey2761 🌱🌏💚

[@kiwiboythirteen8188]

As i sut here in australia missing home laying in bed i wanted to learn a new waiata and this song just broke me down love our culture love our people mauri ora

[@RT-qc6nr]

So beautiful ❤

[@JumboWiniata]

Te piki kōtuku kua riro atu rā Kua rere atu rā koe ki ngā rangi i runga Ki o rahi, ki o nui i te pō Waiho mai au, mokemoke ai - i te pō, i te pō E te rau aroha kua taka iho rā Kua rere atu rā koe ki ngā rangi i runga Ki o rahi, ki o nui i te pō Waiho mai au, mokemoke ai - i te pō, i te pō My rare white heron that has been taken... You have flown to the heavens above, To your many loved ones of the night Leaving me lost and alone in the darkness My adored feather of affection that has fallen... thanking you Justine Wellington

[@benbrunskill5618]

Amazing song, sung so beautifully. Great job

[@josephhoropapera7542]

I had a bro pass away last week. This songs been on repeat ever since

[@Vex-iy8zm]

Damn, how ya'll just chilling while you drop a masterpiece like that.

[@mariaskipper3805]

That was awesome ❤

[@MlleLysAna]

Such talented and beautiful people ! Thank you so much for this amazing video ❤️

[@simonebest1102]

Kia Ora Rob, Its so beautiful, when I sing along to the video I start to cry myself.

[@robruha9415]

Faaaarrrr... that is awesome - e tangi i tō tangi e hine!

[@angiestewart6711]

Tooooo much rangatahi...ataahua!!! You fallahs ROCK!! Keep flowing your gifts 🙏😊🤙👍😎❤️💙💜💚❤️

[@kiwi007]

Beautiful voices you all have.

[@ranihtt7771]

j'aime trop votre culture, vos chants, vos voix

[@mianotsil5634]

i cried.... to all my loved ones who have gone before us... miss u and one day i hope to reunite with u... especially my mother.💗

[@jackrifle5068]

Awesome Roopu of Harmonies 👍🏾❤️😍🥰

[@evapick1566]

Awhi by voice. Beautiful.

[@exi1el4]

Love this waiata and you sing so beautifully ❤️❤️❤️

[@maxfigure4737]

Wowww...extremely beautiful and sooo comforting to my soul...thankyou...such beautiful voices...wowwww

[@J0rd4nBr0]

@1:30 my favourite part

[@kathleenjensen1485]

Perfect harmony, just lovely❤️

[@jpnz6791]

Ngā mihi aroha ki a koe e Rob. Tēnā koe mō tēnei waiata tangi i takoha koe ki a tātou. Kāore ahau e taea ki te haere ki te tangi o tētahi kuia whakahirahira i tēnei rā hoki. Tōku waimārie ki te kite i tō kōrero pērā me tēnei waiata. He tohu mōku. Nō reirā, kei te mihi, kei te mihi, kei te mihi.

[@atelaiteveisa4260]

Im fijian yes i dont understand the lyrucs but the beats omg and the singers all Big URO'ss to you all😍😍☺ fan of this song play louder n repeatly😎☺😍✌

[@jackrifle5068]

Also the Guitarist too was just as awesome I must say. Love it!!! ❤️ 😍 💖 ❣️ 💕 💘

[@kraze8780]

The timing of this waiata is perfect, ngā mihi. It's been 5mths since my hunee transitioned, and I miss him so much. Ataahua! Thank you for sharing this waiata with us all, we will hold space for our loved ones who are on their haerenga too. This is the waiata I want sung for my hunee's anniversary. Mauri Ora.

[@esthermoi3925]

wow!!!!

[@lindsayhorne1009]

Awesome

[@hinekpa]

Playing this all day and man just love it, ka rawe koutou...Miharo!!!

[@Malu-papo-de-cozinha]

Que lindo......⚘❤ #Brasil

[@pricefamily1695]

Thank you for sharing your precious Taonga. I hope you don’t mind but I will learn this song and share it with my whanau.

[@terehiaelliott2976]

It's 2022 and this is the only thing keeping me sain☺️😍❤️

[@youngmasonry]

Thanks. Needed this

[@jungleman4921]

Kia ora from Horeke Hokianga.Chur neat eh !

[@mastermao8592]

Wow so beautiful

[@quadriellfaiva2814]

Solid and clean, chur to the chur

[@thetreasuregarden.creates]

Kia ora, from California! Very sorry to learn about your two uncles. Thank you so much for pouring out your pain in such a gorgeous song! Giving from a place of brokenness often brings healing to both the giver and the receiver 🩷🙌🏽

[@pauvasega5189]

I Love this song! It's so soothing, and The way you guys Were singing it jus makes it 100 times Better😍

[@christinesternegard6372]

Wow! This is so ātaahua!!

[@prestonreid8104]

Beautiful song..wonderfully presented..well done..

[@leannebutler9464]

absolutely beautiful! na mihi Rob.....ki na kaiwaiata music to my earsand with soo much feeling too kapai!!

[@williamhope7704]

Beautiful, just beautiful!

[@skyla1069]

Beautiful ❤❤voices of angels

[@stephmcleay7330]

Beautiful!!!!!!!!! ❤

[@SquishyJello]

Hafa Adai from Guam!

[@Waitakeredame]

I come back here often, for the aroha as well as the most beautiful waiata I've ever heard, song so wonderfully. No reira e hoa ma, tenei te waiata o te manawa.....arohanui.

[@jacobreihana7769]

I feel like use are saying something very special and I really appreciate what use are doing.and do not give up your dreams.

[@thedoctor6332]

Nothing but maori beauty people welcome to the world of peace and greatness nz provides the most beautiful of voices kiaora whanau meke

[@blubirdcarole2514]

This is Beautiful with Beautiful voices whom made it beautiful

[@MelanieTahata]

Amazing! As always. Thank you for the music :)

[@ngarangiraroa4396]

Thank you for adding the lyrics mbro 👍 2020 and still playing on replay 💯✌️👍 the man

[@Harrietteann-rz4df]

Beautiful

[@Ephraim-wf7xq]

I'm obsessed 😍 sing this all day.

[@dorseyhoward4541]

I just want to say that this song is Tino miharo and it remindeds me of my aunty that I love so much

[@leahdehar8409]

Kia Ora aue te parekareka ki oku taringa ko te waiata atuaahua e te Rangatira ko Rob Ruha, kia koutou i waiata nei ataahua koutou....

[@gracejacobsmitchell3681]

I'm in love with this song and i'm learning it for kapa YAY

[@micah6393]

OMG SAME i learnt this for kapa haka the other day but it was a whakangahau song