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After Haka workshops or when I talk about the Haka, people always have many questions about this iconic Māori dance. In this article, I’ll answer the 22 most common ones.
General Questions About the Haka
1. What exactly is the Haka?
The Haka is a ceremonial dance from Māori culture. It is often performed as a war dance, a greeting, or a tribute. The Haka is also a dance or challenge that builds confidence.
2. Where does the Haka come from?
This powerful dance is from New Zealand (Aotearoa). It belongs to the Māori, the country’s indigenous people.
3. What is the purpose of the Haka?
The Haka serves different purposes: to intimidate or challenge opponents, to welcome guests, or to honor special occasions.
Questions About Me
4. Are you Māori?
No, I am Pākehā, which means I’m not Māori, but I’m not from New Zealand either.
5. Why do you teach Haka workshops?
When people perform the Haka, I see them experience something they’ve never felt before. It often seems like they’re becoming aware of their potential. They gain more confidence, feel more connected, and dare to take responsibility or leadership. Sometimes, I see people finally understand something that has played a role in their lives for a long time.
It aligns perfectly with my WHY: “I facilitate so that others can elevate themselves and experience more love in life.”
->Reading Tip: Experiences with the Haka
6. Who taught you Haka?
Over ten years ago, I learned the Ka Mate Haka from a colleague and YouTube videos. Six years ago, I met a Māori elder who taught me different Hakas, including Kowai Tatou, Kowai Au, and Poropipitanga. I also learned the Te Waka Haka from another colleague. I no longer teach Ka Mate to others.
7. Do you have a Māori tattoo?
No, I don’t wear Tā Moko. A Māori tattoo isn’t something you get—it is something you are given.
8. What does the symbol on your shirt and banner mean?
This is a Koru, a fern design a New Zealand artist created for me. It symbolizes my WHY and represents my important values, such as connection, family, and harmony.
Haka and the All Blacks
9. Why do the All Blacks perform the Haka before a rugby match?
To show respect for their culture, to fire themselves up, and to challenge their opponents. It’s an expression of their belief, identity, connection with each other, and their heritage.
10. Which Haka do the All Blacks perform?
They mostly perform Ka Mate (which means “It is death”), but sometimes they perform Kapa o Pango (which means “Team in black”), a Haka created especially for them.
->Reading tip: The Legacy of Leadership: Lessons from the All Blacks
11. Can other sports teams perform the Haka?
Some other New Zealand sports teams do, but respecting the tradition is important. The New Zealand women’s rugby team, the Black Ferns, has its own powerful Haka called Ko Uhia Mai (“Let it be known”). The Haka belongs to the Māori, but every culture has its own power dances.
Cultural and Historical Questions
12. Are there different types of Haka?
Yes! There are war Hakas (Peruperu) and Hakas (Tāparahi) for celebrations, funerals, and other ceremonial occasions. Tautoko Hakas are performed to honor individuals or groups.
->Reading Tip: The Haka: Different Types and Meaning
13. Can women and children perform the Haka?
Absolutely! Some Hakas are specifically for women and children, although men often perform the most well-known ones. Haka is an art form that includes singing, choreography, and using Poi (small juggling balls), which are highly respected.
14. Is it disrespectful for non-Māori to perform the Haka?
That depends on the intention. It can be appreciated if done correctly, with respect and an understanding of the culture.
15. Why are the facial expressions so intense during the Haka?
This is called Pūkana and is meant to express strength, emotion, and determination. Widening the eyes and tightening the lips is a way to challenge others and make an impression. Men may also protrude their tongues (Whētero) as a sign of masculinity. (This is why women don’t show their tongues during a Haka.)
16. Can you perform a Haka alone?
Yes. See also question 13.
Learning and Performing the Haka
17. Can anyone learn the Haka?
Yes, but it’s important to understand its cultural significance and approach it with respect. See also question 10.
18. What do the words in a Haka mean?
This depends on the Haka. Ka Mate, for example, tells a story of triumph and resilience. Kowai Tatou is about identity—who you are, where you belong, and where you go.
There are ancient Hakas, but new Hakas are constantly composed, reflecting what is happening in (Māori) society.
Like a dragon’s (Tarākona) breath, Haka means “fire breath”. It comes from Ha (breath) and Ka (fire).
19. Is the Haka only performed in New Zealand?
No, the Haka is performed worldwide for special occasions, such as honoring the deceased or during sports events.
Modern Haka and Social Use
20. Why is the Haka sometimes performed at funerals?
To show respect and honor the deceased while offering support to the family.
21. Is the Haka used in protests or social movements?
Yes, the Haka is sometimes performed to express strength and unity during demonstrations and protests.
22. Is there anything else I should know about Haka?
Yes—there’s a lot! But here are two important things:
- Never perform a Haka in a place where people are eating.
- Avoid alcohol or mind-altering substances before performing a Haka.
Finally, performing a Haka outside is customary only when you’ve mastered it. Performing a Haka poorly in nature can be considered a loss of face.
->Reading Tip: When is a Haka Workshop Most Effective?
Do you have any other questions about the Haka? Let me know in the comment box below. I, and other readers of this article, look forward to read from you!
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