Traditional images of Christmas are northern hemisphere ones of winter.
Here in New Zealand, the first country in the world to greet the day, it is mid-summer.
This carol, Te Harinui was written by Willow Macky about what is thought to be New Zealand’s first Christmas service.
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 Harinui
Glad tidings of great joy
But on a summer day
Within a quiet bay
The Maori people heard
The great and glorious word
Te Harinui . . .
The people gathered round
Upon the grassy ground
And heard the preacher say
I bring to you this day
Te Harinui . . .
Now in this blessed land
United heart and hand We praise the glorious birth
And sing to all the earth
Te Harinui . . .
YouTube has several versions of it.
