Haka Cultural Significance

Lore & Background

According to Māori tradition, haka originated from the sun god Tama-nui-te-rā and his wife Hine-raumati, whose presence on hot days created a shimmering in the air, known as Te Haka a Tānerore. Haka include various forms such as peruperu (war dance with weapons) and haka taparahi (ceremonial, without weapons). The 'Ka Mate' haka, attributed to Te Rauparaha, is a haka taparahi performed by the All Blacks.

In Their Own Story

The silence at Eden Park is heavy, broken only by the distant hum of eighty thousand voices holding their breath. The All Blacks step onto the pitch, a line of black silhouettes against the green grass. Suddenly, a low rumble erupts from the chest of the captain. It grows into a roar as hands strike thighs in unison, echoing like thunder across the stadium. Eyes wide and fierce, they face their rivals, not with anger, but with an ancient, terrifying challenge. In that moment, the modern game vanishes; there is only the spirit of Te Rauparaha and the raw power of a nation standing as one.

Reader's Guide

Haka performance involves facial contortions like showing the whites of the eyes (pūkana) and poking out the tongue (whetero, men only), along with body actions such as hand slapping and foot stomping. The body serves as the instrument, with emphasis on the words and message. Kapa haka groups are common in New Zealand schools, and the main Māori performing arts competition, Te Matatini, occurs every two years.

Did You Know?

• The 1888–89 New Zealand Native football team first performed haka during an international tour.
• The All Blacks have performed haka before matches since 1905.
• Haka are not typically war dances; Māori scholars consider that conception erroneous.
• The 'Ka Mate' haka is a ceremonial haka performed without weapons.