"Most people my age (I’m 30) take it for granted that we sing both the reo Māori and English versions of the national anthem. But before Hinewehi made the brave call to sing the Māori version at the 1999 Rugby World Cup in Twickenham, it was unheard of.
In fact, her decision to sing the reo version was such a radical departure from mainstream New Zealand’s “norm”, that a lot of people lost their minds after hearing E Ihowā Atua . . . Talkback radio blew up. There were outraged letters to the editor. The backlash was ugly and relentless — and it took a toll on Hinewehi. Talking about it, even 20 years later, brought up difficult memories and “heartache” for her.
Imagine making global headlines simply for having the audacity to speak, or sing, your reo on the world stage.
It was a defining moment for our country. As the Māori Language Commissioner Rawinia Higgins has said, that day at Twickenham was the day te reo broke through to become a key marker of our national identity: “This wahine toa songstress helped change Aotearoa.” - Siena Yates
Overseas | Overseas | 1990-99 | Dame Hinewehi Mohi sings anthem in te reo | Story is by tangata whenua
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