Haka - an expression of passion, mana and the identity of a people.
The whakapapa of the Haka begins with the son of Tama-nui-te-rā, the Sun God, and his wife Hine-raumati, the Summer maid, Tane-rore. Tane-rore is the trembling of the air as seen on the hot days of summer, and represented by the quivering of the hands in the dance. On hot summer days it is possible to see the light dancing and legend has it that this is Tane-rore, performing for his mother.
Although commonly associated with the traditional battle preparations of male warriors, haka have long been performed by both men and women, and several varieties of the haka (styles according to Iwi affiliations) fulfil social functions within Māori culture and Society. Haka are also performed as acknowledgements of welcome for guests, great achievements or at occasions such as funerals or weddings. Many compositions reflect the political climate impacting society, particularly Māori. More than any aspect of Maori culture, this complex dance is an expression of the passion, vigour and identity of a people. Tribal reputation rose and fell on their ability to perform the haka (Hamana Mahuika).
Haka remains a crucial element in Kapa Haka programmes and shines through every two years at the National kapa haka festival Te Matatini. Hundreds of hours are spent in composing, teaching, rehearsing and organising forty performers to deliver their haka to captivate and impress judges and audiences, within a wider 30 min performance.
Police Haka
The New Zealand Police haka, composed by Rahui Papa of Tainui, at the request of the Police Māori, Pacific and Ethnic Services, was part of a nationwide Māori recruitment programme in 2008 called Te Haerenga (The Journey). The haka was first performed by Wing 256 when they graduated from the Royal New Zealand Police Training College in 2009. The haka continues to holds its important place in the celebration of achievement of these new constables. Learn during their training, the haka provides a collective ultimate expression at the end of their graduation ceremony. For Police as an organisation, it is also used during times of reflection and to whakamana staff who have passed at their funeral or on Police Remembrance Day.
Ko Te Uru Pounamu
| Māori | English |
|---|---|
|
Ko te uru pounamu |
The question asked |
|
Ko te uru pounamu |
The question asked |
|
ka ora te haapori i te aha (ra) |
How might our communities remain safe |
|
I te kotahitanga o te iwi me te ture |
With harmony and unity between the community and police |
|
ki te kootahi te kaakaho |
Neither can do the task alone |
|
ka whati i te hau puukeri |
For if there is only one reed |
|
ki te kapuia |
It would break in the wind |
|
(e) whai hua ko te motu whaanui e |
If there are many reeds we will all benefit |
|
paatuki tahi manawa |
Let our hearts beat as one |
|
huihui nga mahara |
and our thoughts be united |
|
kia uu nga kaupapa |
Let our cause be collective |
|
(aue!) ko te ora o nga iwi e |
In our pursuit for common well being |
|
(kss) ana ana ana hi |
It is agreed, supported and all encompassing |
|
(kss) ana ana ana hi |
It is agreed, supported and all encompassing |