New Zealand House of Reps bursts into song after legalizing same-sex marriage

[The Straight Story]

New Zealand passed a bill allowing legal same-sex marriage Wednesday, prompting a jubilant celebration in the House of Representatives.

The bill passed with 77 in favour and 44 against, making New Zealand the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to legalize same-sex marriage, reports BBC News.

As the speaker read out the votes, noting that the bill had passed, spectators watching in gallery started singing the New Zealand love song “Pokarekare Ana.” Below, MPs hugged Louisa Wall, who sponsored the bill.

http://www2.macleans.ca/2013/04/17/new-zealand-house-of-commons-bursts-into-song-after-legalizing-same-sex-marriage/

[MotherPetrie]

1. K&R!

[Aerows]

2. I wish I were a kiwi

Such a beautiful place, and such beautiful people.

I am point blank serious - how do I apply to become a citizen, and live there?

[silverweb]

3. That actually brought a tear to my eye.

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]*sniff*

[enlightenment]

5. You and me, both.

What a beautiful moment.

Way to go, New Zealand. Way to go!

[Zorra]

4. That is so beautiful!

[DreamGypsy]

6. Outstanding!!! Here are the lyrics...

...from New Zealand Folksong.

I switched the order from the page, expecting there might be few more English speakers than Maori speakers on DU.

This love song arose in the north of Auckland at the start of World War One. It then drifted to the East Cape, where it was modified into an action song telling of Paraire Tomoana's 1912 courtship of Kuini Raerena. It is now known and sung world-wide.

The link has a wealth of other information about the song, different translations, performances, recordings. I could find any references to spontaneous singing after passage of legislation. Congratulations to the New Zealand legislators who made this happen! We can only hope that...uh, some other countries, achieve the same result. Soon.

Pokarekare Ana

They are agitated
the waters of Waiapu,
But when you cross over girl
they will be calm.

Oh girl
return to me,
I could die
of love for you.

I have written my letter
I have sent my ring,
so that your people can see
that I am troubled.

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

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

Pōkarekare ana

ngā wai o Waiapu, 1
Whiti atu koe hine
marino ana e.

E hine e
hoki mai ra.
Ka mate ahau 2
I te aroha e.

Tuhituhi taku reta
tuku atu taku rīngi,
Kia kite tō iwi
raru raru ana e.

Whati whati taku pene 3
ka pau aku pepa,
Ko taku aroha
mau tonu ana e.

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


(on edit: typo)

[Marrah_G]

7. Beautiful!!!!!!!!

[BrotherIvan]

8. Can you imagine?

Ah, so heartwarming. Tears streaming down my face. Thank you.

[William769]

9. kick & recommended.

[Aerows]

10. My greatest longing is to move to Australia

But NZ would be perfect.

What do I have to do?

[Purplehazed]

11. NPR played this tonight....

heard it on my way home from work....Outstanding!!!