Pōkarekare Ana

"Pōkarekare Ana" is a traditional New Zealand love song, probably communally composed about the time World War I began in 1914. The song is written in Māori and has been translated into English. It enjoys widespread popularity in New Zealand as well as some popularity in other countries.

Eastern Maori politicians Paraire Tomoana and Āpirana Ngata published the song in 1919, but neither of them claimed to have composed it. They explained that it had "emanated North of Auckland" and was popularised by Māori soldiers who were training near Auckland before embarking for the war in Europe.

The Māori words have remained virtually unaltered over the decades, with only the waters in the first line being localised. For example, some versions refer to Lake Rotorua in the North Island. It is then associated with the story of Hinemoa swimming across the lake to her forbidden lover, Tūtānekai, on Mokoia Island. However, there have been many different English translations.

"Pōkarekare Ana" was originally written predominantly in triple time, with the verse in duple time, but has been more commonly heard in duple time since World War II.

The song is very popular in New Zealand, and has been adapted for multiple purposes, including in advertising and by sporting groups. Notable uses include:

In popular culture, "Pōkarekare Ana" was used as the theme song for the 2005 South Korean film Crying Fist.^{[better source needed]}

In Civilization VI: Gathering Storm, the 2019 expansion pack for Civilization VI, the main theme for the added Māori civilization is "Pōkarekare Ana" and the haka "Ka Mate". There are four renditions of the theme, each corresponding to a different era in the game. These renditions were composed by Geoff Knorr and Phill Boucher.

Dozens of recording artists throughout the world have performed and recorded the song.