Wind from the north that blows upon me,
You awaken memories of sorrow
So that I mourn again my kin
Lost to me in the world of spirits.
Where are they now?
Where are those friends of former days
Who once lived in prosperity?
The time of separation has come,
Leaving me desolate.

Rain down, you skies,
From above,
While here below, tears
Rain from my eyes.
O Wano, sleep on at Tirau—
The mountain that hides
Our homeland, overwhelmed
By the enemy.
We are stranded here
By the rocky cliffs of Taupo,
The sands of Waihi,
With my great ancestor
Who sleeps now
In his grave on Tongariro.
My heart yearns for the famous springs
At Tokaanu,
The healing waters of my people,
For whom I weep.