Whakataka te Hau Karakia: Meaning, History & Usage

If you’ve ever been at a hui in Aotearoa and heard a calm, rhythmic chant settle the room, chances are it was Whakataka te Hau – a short karakia that carries the memory of a storm at sea, a waka named Takitimu, and a centuries-old tradition of asking the winds to pause. Here’s what the prayer actually means, where it came from, and how to use it today.

Origin waka: Takitimu ·
Derived from longer karakia: Tua, Tua ·
Common usage: Opening and closing of gatherings ·
Language: Māori ·
Key themes: Calming winds, unity, presence

Six key facts about Whakataka te Hau at a glance:

What does Whakataka te Hau karakia mean?

Literal translation of Whakataka te Hau

• Whakataka means to calm, cease, or settle (NZ Folksong)
• Hau means wind
• Karakia is a Māori incantation or prayer (Te Hou Ora Whānau Services)

The opening line “Whakataka te hau ki te uru, Whakataka te hau ki te tonga” asks the winds from the west and south to settle. A published translation follows with imagery of inland and coastal cold, frost, snow, and dawn (The Seeds podcast).

Symbolic meaning of calming the winds

Calming the winds is not just about weather. In Māori tradition, the winds represent external forces and distractions. By asking them to settle, the karakia creates a quiet space for the group to focus on the task at hand (Instagram).

Common English renditions

• “Cease the winds from the west, cease the winds from the south”
• “Let the winds be still from the west, let the winds be still from the south”
• Some versions end with “Haumi e! Hui e! Tāiki e!” while others use “Tīhei mauri ora!” (NZ Folksong)

The implication: this karakia is less about controlling the weather and more about controlling the room’s energy. The words act as a reset button for any gathering.

What is the story behind Whakataka Te Hau?

Origin from the waka Takitimu

The most widely accepted origin ties Whakataka te Hau to the waka Takitimu, one of the great ancestral voyaging canoes. The karakia is a modification of the final stanza of a longer chant called “Tua, Tua” (CPSLE).

The longer karakia “Tua, Tua”

“Tua, Tua” is a much longer karakia that recounts the journey of the Takitimu waka. According to oral tradition, the waka encountered a severe storm along the South Westland coast. The chant was used to calm the winds and save the crew (CPSLE).

Survival of a storm at sea

One source describes the karakia as having been used when out at sea and a storm was approaching (YouTube). The prayer’s power comes from the atua (gods) and the faith of those reciting it (The Seeds podcast).

What this means: the story is layered. Even if the exact date is debated, the core narrative – a storm, a waka, and a plea for calm – is consistent across sources.

Is Whakataka Te Hau a closing karakia?

When it is used to close meetings

Yes, Whakataka te Hau is frequently used as a closing karakia (Instagram). It signals the end of a hui and sends participants away with a sense of calm.

When it is used to open gatherings

It is also used at the start of hui to settle the group and focus attention (Instagram). A community discussion called it “one of the most well-known” karakia for opening or closing a hui (Instagram).

Differences between opening and closing versions

• Opening: often recited with the intention of calming the winds and bringing the group together.
• Closing: may be followed by a final “Haumi e! Hui e! Tāiki e!” to seal the gathering.
• Some speakers vary the final line – “Tīhei mauri ora!” is used in some contexts (The Seeds podcast).

The pattern: the same words can serve both bookends of a meeting. The versatility is part of why it has become so popular in modern Māori settings.

What is the karakia for closing meetings?

Whakataka te Hau as a closing prayer

When used as a closing karakia, Whakataka te Hau draws the gathering to a close by acknowledging the winds and the work done. It frames the end of the hui as a peaceful transition (Instagram).

Other common closing karakia

• “E te Atua” – a Christian-influenced prayer often used in schools
• “Kua mutu” – a simple closing karakia meaning “it is finished”
• “Whakataka te Hau” – preferred for its neutrality and cultural depth

Karakia whakakapi definition

Karakia whakakapi translates to “closing karakia.” Whakataka te Hau is a prime example, but it is not the only one. The term whakakapi means “to close” or “to seal.”

Why this matters: for anyone looking for a culturally appropriate way to close a meeting in Aotearoa, Whakataka te Hau offers a safe, well-known option that works across Māori and Pākehā settings.

Timeline

Confirmed facts and what’s unclear

The confirmed facts provide a reliable foundation while acknowledging the gaps maintains integrity.

Perspectives from the community

“The karakia is not a magic spell. The words can be changed. The power comes from the atua and the faith of the people using them.”

The Honourable Justice Joseph Williams, explaining the karakia on The Seeds podcast

“Whakataka te Hau is a versatile karakia that can be used to open or close a hui. It helps bring a group into the present and focus attention on the mahi.”

Te Hou Ora Whānau Services, usage guide

“It is a modification of the final stanza of a longer karakia called ‘Tua, Tua’ which is linked to the waka Takitimu and a storm encountered along the South Westland coast.”

CPSLE, waiata resource

“The karakia was used when out at sea and a storm was approaching, but is now widely used at the start of the day or a meeting.”

YouTube description, video

These perspectives illustrate the karakia’s respected place in contemporary Māori and Pākehā settings.

Summary

Whakataka te Hau is not just a prayer – it’s a cultural tool for creating calm and focus. For anyone leading a hui, class, or gathering in Aotearoa, the choice is clear: learn the words, understand the story, and use it with respect. The alternative is to miss out on a practice that has settled storms – both literal and metaphorical – for centuries.

Related reading: Whakataka te hau meaning, origin and usage guide · the Honourable Justice Joseph Williams explaining the karakia Whakataka te hau

Frequently asked questions