While there is some conjecture about the exact words in the song ( a situation matching that of many older folk songs worldwide ) there is general agreement that it is a song of unity , with the repeated refrain of " tātou tātou e " ( " all of us , all of us " ) . The song is often used by New Zealanders in times when standing together and supporting each other is appropriate . The song was , for example , used to show support with the New Zealand Muslim community after the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings
Christchurch mosque shootings
Christchurch mosque shootings
Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi