What to know about Maori Haka before visiting New Zealand
Knowing the customs and traditions of Maori Haka is an essential part of understanding New Zealand culture and history, before visiting.
Anyone who knows New Zealand or is a fan of Rugby Union will know the Haka often performed by the New Zealand rugby team in rugby matches – and by others on a variety of special or cultural occasions. Haka is now an integral part of New Zealand culture.
New Zealand is a majestic place to visit, and Auckland’s largest city has just been declared by Lonely Planet as the Best City to Visit in 2022. New Zealand is famous for being the Theater of Earth Middle and home to Hobbiton today. It’s easy to see from the photos why New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit.
Importance and origin of the haka
The Haka come from the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand. Maori are a Polynesian population who first colonized New Zealand around 700 years ago. The Maori have developed their own unique culture on these islands cut off from the rest of the world.
- Maori: The indigenous Polynesian population of New Zealand
Traditionally, the haka was performed when two parties met as part of the customs surrounding the encounter. It has been traditionally used for many occasions. One notable occasion was warfare as a means of preparing warriors mentally and physically for combat. He was also executed when groups gathered in peace.
- Like a war dance: As a war dance it would give courage to warriors to fight
The haka is usually performed to represent the pride, strength, and unity of a tribe. The Maori warrior heritage is demonstrated in dance with kicking, tongue sticking and rhythmic slapping of the body with loud chants.
- Weddings: At weddings, women can also participate in the Haka performance
Some haka should only be performed by men, but there are other haka that can be performed by anyone and even a few that are reserved for women. In New Zealand both Maori and non-Maori practice haka, however, it is recognized as a Maori tradition and care is taken to respect the dance and the Maori.
- Gender roles: There are normally gender roles in the haka, check the tradition so as not to disrespect the tradition
According to Maori legend, the origin of the haka is a celebration of life. The Tourism New Zealand website states:
“The story goes that Tama-nui-te-ra, the sun god, and his wife Hine-raumati, who embodies summer, had a son named Tane-rore.
On hot summer days, Tane-rore would dance for her mother, making the air shudder. This light and rapid movement was the foundation of every haka.“
Haka and the All Blacks
Internationally, the Haka is best known for Rugby, here it is used to challenge opponents on the sports field. It’s very hard to overstate how much rugby and the New Zealand All Blacks team are loved and important to the nation. The All Backs haka performance is a stunning display of strength and is a practice well respected by opposing teams around the world.
- New Zealand Rugby Team: The All Blacks – named after the All Black uniforms they wear
There are many forms of Haka, but the most famous is the one that the All Blacks traditionally use – the “Ka Mateâ€. Ka Mate Haka was composed in the 1820s by Maori chief Te Rauparaha. The Black Ferns are New Zealand’s women’s rugby team and perform the “Ko Uhia Mai” haka (which means “Let it be Known” in English).
The main body of the Ka Mate haka is:
“Ka mate, ka mate! ka ora! ka ora!Ka my mate! ka mate! ka ora! ka ora!TÄ“nei te tangata pÅ«huruhuruNÄna nei i tiki mai whakawhiti te rÄ, upane! ka upane!, upane, ka upane, white te ra!“
“It’s death ! it’s death ! (or: I can die) That’s life! it’s life ! (or: I can live)It’s death ! it’s death ! It’s life ! it’s life !This is the hairy manThat calls on the sun and makes it shineOne step forward, another step forward!One step up, another … the sun is shining!“
The text of the Ka Mate haka can be strange and confusing in English. Unfortunately, it doesn’t translate well and all context is lost of how the chef who wrote it, wrote it on the run for his life. There are explanations on the All Blacks website.
Where to see the haka
Today, for those who want to see the haka, watch any rugby game with the All Blacks – or any New Zealand national team. It is performed by many New Zealand teams before competing around the world.
Point: Watch an All Black rugby match
Alternatively, one can visit Maori cultural attractions and shows for tourists. These can be found on New Zealand tourist directories like New Zealand Tourism.
Today it is used in Maori ceremonies and celebrations to honor guests. In New Zealand, it is possible to see it performed at family events like birthdays and weddings and even at the airport to greet people at home. Watch here to see a very moving wedding haka and how the bride is moved to tears.
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