Kua rongorongo

Kua rongorongo ake ahau 
E haere ana koe, e taku tau 
Whakawhiti ana Te Moana nui a Kiwa e 
Ka patupatu ake taku manawa 
Ka whakarangirua i aku mahara 
Aué tama, ko taku aroha 
Kore rawa e mutu mai

Waiho rā mā te wā 
Koutou, e tama mā 
E whakahoki mai 
Kia awhiawhi atu aku ringa nei 
Ki tō uma piri ai

Ka patupatu ake taku manawa 
Ka whakarangirua i aku mahara 
Aué tama, ko taku aroha 
Kore rawa e mutu mai 
Kore rawa e mutu 
Kore rawa e mutu 
Kore rawa e mutu mai

English translation

I have listened intently
As you travel, my love
Crossing the vast
Pacific Ocean
My heart starts pounding
My thoughts intertwine
Oh dear son, my love
Will never cease
Farewell for now
To you, my dear son
Return to me
So I may embrace
And hold you close
My heart starts pounding
My thoughts intertwine
Oh dear son, my love
Will never cease
Will never cease
Will never cease
Will never cease