A New Zealand Christmas Carol

Te Harinui was written by Willow Macky about the first New Zealand Christmas service held by Samuel Marsden in 1814. The chorus refers to Marsden's service, which included a verse from the bible referring to 'great joy' (te harinui).

Te Harinui

Not on a snowy night
By star or candlelight
Nor by an angel band
There came to our dear land
Te Harinui
Te Harinui
Te Hari-nu-i
Glad tid-ings of great joy

But on a summer day
Within a quiet bay
The Maori people heard
The great and glorious word

The people gathered round
Upon the grassy ground
And heard the preacher say
I bring to you this day

Now in this blessed land
United heart and hand
We praise the glorious birth
And sing to all the earth

Te Harinui sung by the Twyford Singers - the only version I could find sung by a choir. The Twyford Singers are from the UK.

Its the middle of the day and its hot, been working in the garden and decided to take a break so an early blip today. A New Zealand Christmas carol and the Pohutukawa flower for this festive season.

Merry Christmas to you all :)

Edit: Fingers crossed for all travellers stuck at Wellington Airport due to sea fog, hope they get to their destinations in time for Christmas. Daughter A was booked on tonights flight but ended up with us a couple of days early, we are thankful.