Maewa Kaihau

Erima Maewa Kaihau (; 1879 – 27 February 1941) was a New Zealand composer, pianist and music teacher, sometimes known as Louisa Maewa Molesworth. She is best known for her contributions to the song “Now Is the Hour”, and composed several other popular songs in both Māori and English. Life and career Kaihau was born Louisa Flavell in Whangaroa to a French father and a Māori mother of Ngā Puhi descent. On her mother’s side she was a descendent of Hōne Heke. In 1893, the family moved to Waiuku. In the late 1890s, she entered a customary marriage with Henare Kaihau, the Ngāti Te Ata leader and politician; their marriage was formalised in 1903. They had six daughters and two sons. After his death in 1920, she married Charles Molesworth. During their marriage she taught music and played the piano. She is best-known for the song “Haere Ra” or “Po Atarau”, known in English as “Now Is the Hour”. The song was adapted from an existing piano tune, “Swiss Cradle Song”, published under the name of Clement Scott (thought to be Albert Bokhare Saunders). “Swiss Cradle Song” became popular in New Zealand through its use as a Māori farewell song titled “Po Atarau” during World War I. Kaihau refined t