Wednesday, 9 November 2016


Haka – a type of waiata Haka can be said to form a particularly large subclass of waiata. In 1975 Arapeta Marukitipua Awatere explored the features of different types of haka and their uses. He noted, ‘Each …


There are many different types of haka, each appropriate for a different occasion. According to haka and Māori-language expert Tīmoti Kāretu, the haka provides a platform for its composer to ‘vent his spleen, to sing someone’s praises, to welcome his guests, to open a new meeting house or dining hall.

Haka and poi

Haka and poi were associated with most gatherings and were popular entertainment. ‘Contests were sometimes held between different hamlets, when a party of poi performers from a village would visit another in order to play against a local team. Such visits also took place in connection with the haka. In the traditional context, haka referred to a wide range of dance styles, including many performed by women.
Poi-
The poi is a genre of music exclusive to New Zealand Māori. The poi is a ball attached to the end of a cord, which is swung around by the kapa haka performer to complement the performance. Men primarily used poi as an exercise device to help warriors wield their weapons more effectively in battle; women used poi to relieve muscular strain and to keep their hands and arms flexible and strong for use in everyday tasks such as weaving. Although the modern poi is now largely performed to European melodies, pre-colonial poi were recited in a way similar to haka, especially by the people of Taranaki.


‘Kia kōrero te katoa o te tinana – the whole body should speak,’ said haka master Henare Teowai of this traditional art form. Kapa haka has adapted to contemporary … ability to perform haka (dances) and the expertise of the haka leader. There are many different types of haka, appropriate for different occasions. Waiata … Kapa haka, Waitangi Day 1947 …

Types of haka

Contrary to popular belief, haka is not only a war dance. There are many different types of haka, each appropriate for a different occasion. According to haka and Māori-language expert Tīmoti Kāretu, the haka provides a platform for its composer to ‘vent his spleen, to sing someone’s praises, to welcome his guests, to open a new meeting house or dining hall, to pay his respects to the dead, to honor his ancestors, to teach his traditions to the succeeding generations. What each of these variants has in common is the mauri (life force) that permeates every aspect of the art. Haka draws on the performers’ spirits as well as their thoughts.


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