The haka is a passionate, traditional dance famous around the world

The Haka: What it meands and why it’s performed

The Haka in New Zealand

The first hakas were created and performed by different Māori tribes as a war dance. It is an ancestral war cry. It was performed on the battlefields for two reasons. Firstly, it was done to scare their opponents; the warriors would use aggressive facial expressions such as bulging eyes and poking of their tongues. They would grunt and cry in an intimidating way while beating and waving their weapons. The second reason they did this was for their own morale; they believed that they were calling upon the god of war to help them win the battle. They were heavily choreographed and performed in time. It gave them courage and strength. This type of haka is called a peruperu haka.

Over time, the haka evolved and it came to be used for more than just battles. It became a way for communities to come together and it was a symbol of community and strength. This type of haka is called a ngeri haka. Unlike the peruperu, the ngeri does not use weapons. Their purpose is different; they are performed to simply move the performs and viewers physiologically, rather than to cause fear. This different goal is reflected in the way that they are performed. Their movements are more free, giving each participant the freedom to express themselves in their own movements. Both males and females can perform a haka; there are special ones that have been created just for women.

In New Zealand, you will find that the haka is performed for a lot of different reasons. Nationally, it is used at important events; an example of this is rugby games where it is performed at the start of each match. It is also performed for personal reasons, too. It is performed at weddings, funerals, local events, and times when a display of respect and solidarity is required towards special guests. It is not exclusive to Māori; anyone is welcome to perform a haka, given that it is performed with all the seriousness and respect that it deserves and that the performers are aware of what they are doing and what it means. While our guests are on tour with us, we teach them a haka.

Kapa haka – or traditional Māori performing arts – forms a powerful and highly visual part of the New Zealand cultural experience.

Kapa haka is the term for Māori performing arts and literally means to form a line (kapa) and dance (haka). It involves an emotional and powerful combination of song, dance, and chanting. Kapa haka is performed by cultural groups on a marae, at schools, and during special events and festivals. While you’re in New Zealand, take the opportunity to experience the excitement of kapa haka for yourself. During a kapa haka performance, you’ll experience a range of compositions, from chants and choral singing to graceful action songs and ferocious war dances. Many performances include skilled demonstrations of traditional weaponry.

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