Kapa Haka - Māori Performance
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 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.
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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.
Waiata-ā-ringa
In a waiata-ā-ringa or action songs, the lyrics are supported by symbolic hand movements. The performers flutter their hands quickly, a movement called wiri, which can symbolise shimmering waters, heat waves or even a breeze moving the leaves of a tree. Waiata-ā-ringa are usually accompanied by a guitar and can be slow, fast, serious, or fun and flirtatious, depending on the context.
Poi
The Maori poi dance features the skilful control of a ball swung on a string. The Maori poi dance features the skilful control of a ball swung on a string.
Haka
Haka are war dances with loud chanting, strong hand movements, foot stamping and thigh slapping. Performers may incorporate traditional weapons, such as taiaha (spear-like weapons) and patu (clubs) into their haka. The All Blacks rugby team famously performs their haka before every game, and it is likely you will see this very same haka if you attend a cultural performance.
Pūkana
Senior Taranaki school students perform a haka at a Maori performing arts competition. Senior Taranaki school students perform a haka at a Maori performing arts competition.
Where to see it
Here are just a few locations where you can experience Māori performing arts.
Northland
- Culture North, Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Auckland
- Auckland Museum
- Te Hana Te Ao Marama, one hour north of Auckland
Rotorua
Christchurch