Pokarekare Ana - Authorship Disputes

Authorship Disputes

East Coast Māori song-writer Paraire Tomoana, who polished up the song in 1917 and published the words in 1921, wrote that "it emanated from the North of Auckland" and was popularised by Māori soldiers who were training near Auckland before embarking for the war in Europe.

There have been numerous claims and counterclaims regarding authorship over the years. Although the matter has never been definitively settled, guardianship of the words and music are held by the family (descendants) of Paraire Tomoana.

The Māori words have remained virtually unaltered over the decades, with only the waters in the first line being localized. For example, some versions refer to Rotorua, a town in the North Island. However, there have been many different English translations.

Pokarekare Ana was originally written predominantly in triple time, with the verse in duple time, but has been more commonly heard in duple time since World War II.

The song has historically become one that bonds the two prosperous southern nations of Australia and New Zealand, with great honorary ceremonies occurring both from and to each of the nations as a sign of togetherness and strength during the 2000 Summer Olympics.