'Te Harinui, A New Zealand Christmas Carol', words and music by Willow Mackay. Published by Warner/Chappell Music.

The Maori chief, Ruatara, a great traveller, had first met the Reverend Samuel Marsden in Sydney, New South Wales, where Marsden was the Senior Chaplain for the Colony on behalf of the Church Missionary Society. The two met again, several years later, in Plymouth, England. Ruatara was suffering from illness and neglect, and Marsden showed him great kindness. In gratitud the young chief invited him to New Zealand, to give a Christian message to his people.

In December 1814 the brig 'Active' anchored at Oihi Bay in the bay of Islands. At 10 o'clock on Christmas morning Samuel Marsden went ashore, accompanied by a group of missionaries, their families and members of the crew. There they were greeted by Chief Ruatara who had made all the arrangements for the Service, including a visit from neighbouring chiefs who had arrived with their entourages in several large war canoes. Then, seated in groups on the grass, the assembled Maori listened quietly to the first Christmas service held in New Zealand.

Marsden opened with the hymn "Old Hundredth" - "All people that on earth do dwell, Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice..."

Then he gave as his text a reading in English and Maori from the Gospel of St Luke (2:10) "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people".

Te Harinui, meaning 'the great joy', has become the title and refrain of this carol, which has now been sung throughout New Zealand every Christmas for over 30 years.

New, never been used, no markings on the music.

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