Pokarekare ana SAA

This beautiful love song, very well known in New Zealand, originated among Maori recruits stationed in army camps in Auckland during World War 1. Paraire Tomoana claimed that it was based on a love letter of his, but it seems more likely that it is an amalgam of verses circulating among recruits and adapted into a camp song. More detail and a fascinating history of the song can be found at folksong.org.nz/pokarekare/index.html. There is also an association with the Maori legend of Hinemoa and Tutanekai (see Mokoia Island).

We provide both a 3/4 and a 4/4 version. Both meters are well known in New Zealand. The recording is by Ohio Northern University Singers and is of the 3/4 version, although in a slightly different rhythm from the one notated. (This was a decision of the choir, who learned that the song is often sung with dotted rhythms)..

Also available in SATB and TBB voicings.

Here’s a link to a performance of the SATB version by Rudsambee Company of Singers.