Kia kaha

Kia kaha is a Māori phrase used by both the Māori and Pakeha (European) people of New Zealand. It means "be strong" and is used as an affirmation. Linguistically it consists of the desiderative verbal particle "kia", which is used here as 'an encouragement to achieve the state named', [Winifred Bauer, 1997. "The Reed Reference Grammar of Māori". Reed, page 99.] that is, an encouragement to achieve "kaha" or strength. "Kaha" derives from Proto-Polynesian "*kafa", meaning "strong" or "great"; "*kafa" is also the Proto-Polynesian term for sennit rope, a strong rope made from coconut fibres and used for lashing canoes, weapons, and buildings together.

Usage

The phrase is used in several ways in several different contexts. It a term of comfort or solace (an equivalent of "be strong - my thoughts are with you"), or (less often) it can serve a similar function to 'kia ora' - an interjection during a speech to indicate support or approval (similar to "hear! hear!"). It is sometimes also seen used as a valediction at the bottom of messages.

Kia kaha in popular culture

The phrase has been used for the title of a song by Split Enz and a book, "Kia Kaha: New Zealand in the Second World War" by historian John Crawford. The phrase "Kia kaha" is prominently used in New Zealand's most famous military song, the Marching Song of the 28th Māori Battalion [ [http://folksong.org.nz/maori_battalion/ Lyrics and music from NZ Folk Song site] ] .

Kia kaha has been used as the name of various products, most notably a clothing manufacturer [ [http://www.kiakaha.co.nz/static.pasp?staticid=2 Kia Kaha Clothing] ] . It is also the official name of the New Zealand Police's school anti-bullying campaign [ [http://www.police.govt.nz/service/yes/nobully/kia_kaha/ NZ Police Kia Kaha site] ] .

It was incorporated in the RNZAF'S 75 Squadron motto, "Ake ake kia kaha": "For ever and ever be strong", where 'ake ake' means '(for)ever (for)ever' and 'kia kaha' means 'be strong'.

References