 One claim attributes the first words to two Māori groups of sheep shearers, the Grace and Awatere families, of Tuparoa.In 1920 Maewa Kaihau wrote an opening verse in English as "This is the hour.." for her daughter who had become attached to a member of a visiting royal party, who was shortly to leave.She also modified the "Po Atarau" tune and added another Māori translation.