One of the NZ MP's who co-sponsored the marriage equality bill is congratulated after its approval.
One of the NZ MP’s who co-sponsored the marriage equality bill is congratulated after its approval.

On April 17, 2013 the Parliament debated and ultimately approved a bill granting gay and lesbian people the right to marry.  In the first video below,  MP Maurice Williams eloquently and with humor, responds to social and religious conservatives who predicted that society would self destruct if God didn’t do the job as punishment. 

In video number 2 below, you will see the speaker of the NZ Parliament announce the results of the vote on marriage equality.  Then, spontaneously, the MPs and visitors in the gallery break into a very moving rendition of New Zealand’s favorite love song.  I’ve posted an English translation of that beautiful song below the video.

Thank you NZ Parliament for helping to move western society one giant step forward in the advancement of civilization.

Pōkarekare ana
ngā wai o Waiapu, 1
Whiti atu koe hine
marino ana e. E hine e
hoki mai ra.
Ka mate ahau 2
I te aroha e. Tuhituhi taku reta
tuku atu taku rīngi,
Kia kite tō iwi
raru raru ana e. Whati whati taku pene 3
ka pau aku pepa,
Ko taku aroha
mau tonu ana e. E kore te aroha
e maroke i te rā,
Mākūkū tonu i
aku roimata e. 		They are agitated
the waters of Waiapu,
But when you cross over girl
they will be calm. Oh girl
return to me,
I could die
of love for you. I have written my letter
I have sent my ring,
so that your people can see
that I am troubled. My pen is shattered,
I have no more paper
But my love
is still steadfast. My love will never
be dried by the sun,
It will be forever moistened
by my tears.