Kapa Haka
The haka, a taonga tuku iho (sacred tradition), is far more than a war dance. While it was performed by our toa (warriors) before battle to demonstrate mana (power) and intimidate opponents, it also served as a process to strengthen our tinana (body), hinengaro (mind), and wairua (spirit). The haka allowed us, as tangata whenua (people of the land), to align ourselves, build kotahitanga (unity), and share important messages between whānau and iwi. At the heart of the haka is the ringakāti (clenched fist), a powerful symbol of strength, resilience, and our determination to stand together.
The Ringakāti: A Symbol of Mana and Unity
The act of thrusting the ringakāti into the air or forward embodies our kaha (strength) and readiness. It is not just a gesture—it reflects the firmness of our hinengaro and the resolve of our wairua to overcome challenges. Through the ringakāti, we express kotahitanga as individuals moving as one, unified in purpose. Whether in times of war or peace, the clenched fist represents our refusal to yield, symbolizing not just physical strength but also emotional and spiritual resilience. It declares that we stand firm, that our mana will not be diminished.
Strengthening Tinana, Hinengaro, and Wairua
The haka strengthens our tinana, sharpens our hinengaro, and fortifies our wairua. It unites us in moments of celebration and sorrow, preparing us to face challenges together. When we drive our ringakāti into the air or toward the earth, we declare that we are here—rooted in our whenua, with mana, ready to stand firm against all challenges.
The haka is a living tradition, a way for us to express joy, grief, defiance, and resilience. With every stomp, fierce expression, and thrust of the ringakāti, we affirm that we are strong, bound to our tikanga and whenua. The ringakāti speaks of endurance and unity—our message is clear: we stand together, now and always, with strength in body, mind, and spirit.
The Haka as Communication and Connection
The haka was, and still is, an essential way for us to share knowledge and maintain connections. It allows us to transmit mātauranga (knowledge) and tikanga (customs) between generations, ensuring our stories and values endure. In the past, haka were used to align strategies, pass messages, and foster relationships between iwi and hapū. Today, we continue to use haka in hui marae (marae gatherings), tangihanga (funerals), and rūnanga (meetings). With every ringakāti raised, we express unity, emotional connection, and collective purpose—whether it be to celebrate, mourn, or resist.
The Haka as Resistance and Resilience
During the era of colonization, the haka became a powerful form of ātete (resistance) and a way for us to assert our tuakiri (identity). As our lands were taken and colonial forces attempted to erode our culture, we turned to the haka to reclaim our tūrangawaewae (place to stand) and strengthen our pride in being Māori. The haka allowed us to maintain our mana, even in the face of oppression.
The ringakāti in the haka became a symbol of defiance and endurance, expressing that we would not be broken. Through haka, we preserved our tikanga and reaffirmed the importance of standing as one. The haka is not merely a performance—it is a declaration of who we are, rooted in the whenua (land) and connected to each other through shared history and values.