A story about Whitebait migration in North Canterbury.  Song performed by Pegasus Bay Waikuku and Rakahuri children 2022.  

Whitebait Waiata

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The baby whitebait they are called Larvae They hatch and then they all get washed away Into the ocean, for 6 months they stay Having a salt water holiday

First of all the eggs, they get laid down In the estuary is where they can be found Spring tides in Autumn, the water crisp and cool The next flood washes them off to a.. New swimming pool

Oh, oh, oh whitebait swimming in the deep blue sea Slip, slide away so fast saying “you can't catch me!” Oh, oh from salty water to fresh water, their new home will be Swimming around in the Rakahuri

When the fishermen come with their buckets in hand The whitebait dash away to hide with their friends They might get caught in a bucket They might get caught in a net They might even get made into a tasty omelette!

Out in the sea, down the road at Waikuku Swim some little creatures you might think of as food Wriggly baby fishies that are called Whitebait Or īnanga This is how they migrate

When the sun comes out and the water warms up a little In Springtime up the river the whitebait wriggle Against the tides, their swimming skills so strong Off to find a place where the adult.. Whitebait belong

Pegasus Bay School: Rakahuri and Waikuku Present: The Whitebait Waiata

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