New Zealand Parliament passes gay marriage bill -- and a love song.

As the votes are announced in the New Zealand Parliament that affirm the Definition of Marriage Amendment (allowing equal marriage rights for the gay community), spectators in the gallery break into a Maori love song which most of the Members of Parliament then join in with. Quite touching.

For my American chums who want to know more about the song being sung: "Pokarekare ana." Unofficially it is New Zealand's second national anthem. It is believed to have been communally written by Maori soldiers in training camp during World War I. Here are the lyrics and then a translation.

***LYRICS
Pōkarekare ana, ngā wai o Waiapu
Whiti atu koe hine, marino ana e

E hine e, hoki mai ra, kamate ahau i te aroha e.

Tuhituhi taku reta, tuku atu taku rīni
Kia kite tō iwi, raruraru ana e.

E hine e, hoki mai ra, ka mate ahau i te aroha e.

***MY NOTE: In this case, as is often the case, Lake "Rotorua" is subbed for "Waiapu" in the first line.

***TRANSLATION
Stormy are the waters on restless Waiapu
If you cross them, girl, they will be calmed

Oh girl, come back to me, my heart is dying of love for you.

I have written you a letter, and enclosed with it my ring,
So your people can see how troubled I am

Oh girl, come back to me, my heart is dying of love for you.

***THE REST OF THE VERSES (NOT SUNG HERE)
Whati whati taku pene ka pau aku pepa,
Ko taku aroha mau tonu ana e.

E hine e, hoki mai ra, kamate ahau i te aroha e.

E kore te aroha e maroke i te rā,
Mākūkū tonu i aku roimata e.

E hine e, hoki mai ra, kamate ahau i te aroha e.

***TRANSLATION
My pen is shattered, I have no more paper
But my love is still steadfast.

Oh girl, come back to me, my heart is dying of love for you.

My love will never be dried by the sun,
It will be forever moistened by my tears.

Oh girl, come back to me, my heart is dying of love for you.

http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/AboutParl/SeeHear/PTV/

Видео New Zealand Parliament passes gay marriage bill -- and a love song. канала Martin Richardson