Kia kaha supporting the city in their time of need. The "New Zealand Herald" reported the use of the phrase by Prince William at a memorial service on 18 March 2011 "drew applause and tears from tens of thousands of mourners". A video made by New Zealanders living in New York included the phrase in a message to their loved ones in Christchurch. Kia kaha Kia kaha is a Māori phrase used by the people of New Zealand as an affirmation, meaning "stay strong". The phrase has significant meaning for Māori: popularised through its usage by the 28th Māori Battalion during World
Kia kaha a strong rope made from coconut fibres and used for lashing canoes, weapons, and buildings together. The phrase is used in several different contexts. It is a term of comfort or solace (an equivalent of "be strong - my thoughts are with you"), or (less often) it can serve a similar function to 'kia ora' - an interjection during a speech to indicate support or approval (similar to "hear! hear!"). It is sometimes seen used as a valediction at the bottom of messages. The phrase "Kia kaha" is prominently used in New Zealand's most famous military song, the Marching Song