Has Hayley recorded "The Maori Farewell"?

[roger]

Yesterday, I received an interesting question via the HWI Visitor Feedback facility on the main site. I suspect that the sender inadvertantly stated an invalid email address as my replies to him have bounced. I therefore quote the question here in the hope he may see it and because it may be of interest to other members:

When I was a young sailor during the war I was on a troopship which carried NZ troops to the Middle East. I have happy memories of the music played at the end of dances in the various ports. I think it is called the Maori Farewell. If Hayley has recorded it could you please give me the details. so I can get it.
Many Thanks,
Peter E.

My reply:

Hello Peter,

I cannot be absolutely certain but I believe the Maori Farewell is officially known as "Po Atarau", or in English as "Now Is The Hour". That may be confirmed by the words and music that appear at Folksong.org.nz.

If that is the correct song, Hayley has not recorded it for CD but she once performed it when she appeared as Russell Watson's guest in Auckland in February 2002. Hayley sang it with Russell and Faye Tozer but it is sung entirely in English. The entire concert is available on DVD at Amazon.com but you would probably be able to obtain it locally. It also includes Hayley singing "I Dreamed A Dream" (solo) and "Pokarekare Ana" (as a duet
with Russell).

Thank you for your enquiry.

Regards,
Roger
Hayley Westenra International

[Martin]

I believe this very moving song was sung at the London NZ Memorial Dedication ceremony back in Nov 2006. Although Hayley was present it was sung by a Maori choir and brought tears to the eyes of the Queen.

Martin

[Nordly]

I hope she sings it on an album soon- an all Maori album wouldn't be bad