Takitimu – Te Vaka Tapu

Here is the English translation: *Takitimu – The Sacred Canoe* *Intro* Great ocean, wide ocean, The sun sets over the sea. The wind guides the canoe, As we remember the path of our ancestors. Takitimu, the sacred canoe, Carries thought, faith, and love. Blessed was the journey of the ancestors. We love our culture and our language. *Verse 1* From the Cook Islands to Aotearoa, Our thoughts travel across the ocean. We are part of the great Ocean people, The sea does not separate us. The canoe carried belief, Language, culture, and faith. We remember our ancestors, Who never abandoned what they loved. *Chorus* Takitimu, keep sailing, Across the waves of the ocean. The voices of the ancestors are calling, Let culture and tradition live on. Oh, Takitimu, sacred canoe, You connect the people of the great ocean. Aotearoa and the Cook Islands, One heart, one spirit. *Verse 2* Arriving in Aotearoa, A beautiful and shining land. High mountains and flowing rivers, Birds singing in the morning. Love grows for the tangata whenua, We respect their mana. We learn their culture, And offer our love. *Bridge – The Tribes of Aotearoa* Ngāpuhi, Waikato, Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tahu, Tūhoe, Te Arawa. Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Rongowhakaata. Ngāti Whātua, Taranaki, Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngā Rauru. Te Aupōuri, Muaupoko, There are many tribes of Aotearoa. We respect you all, As brothers and sisters. *Verse 3* Rain falls upon the land, The soil smells fresh after it. The sun shows its light, Birds fly across the sky. Children grow in love, Parents care for the family. Māori culture remains alive, And Cook Islands culture lives in the heart. *Chorus* Takitimu, keep sailing, Across the waves of the ocean. The voices of the ancestors are calling, Let culture and tradition live on. Oh, Takitimu, sacred canoe, You connect the people of the great ocean. Aotearoa and the Cook Islands, One heart, one spirit. *Verse 4* The ocean does not divide people. It connects the islands and lands. Love is the strong rope, That brings us together. May the Māori language live on, May the Cook Islands language live on. Let us thank God, For all blessings. *Outro* Takitimu, you will remain As a reminder of the ancestors. Your spirit still travels In the wind and the sea. From the Cook Islands to Aotearoa, The connection remains. We sing with joy, And show love to everyone. Takitimu, sacred canoe, You keep sailing in our hearts. Faith, belief, and love. Faith, belief, and love. Oh! Oh! Takitimu, live forever!