šŸ”„ Haka Expression Companion

Guided analysis, tikanga checkpoints, and collective design prompts for haka across protest, celebration, and whānau contexts.

Subject: Ngā Toi | Tikanga-ā-Iwi Year: 7–10 Duration: 75 mins + project time

Before Viewing Ā· Dismantle Stereotypes

Myths vs Reality

Myth to Cross Out Evidence to Replace It How We’ll Show Respect
ā€œHaka is just for sports intimidation.ā€ Protest haka at Parliament (2024) connects to Te Tiriti obligations. We acknowledge kaupapa before any performance.
ā€œAnyone can lead haka without guidance.ā€ Mana whenua or authorised leaders carry specific tikanga. We confirm who has authority and gain consent first.
ā€œHaka is entertainment for cameras.ā€ Whānau celebration haka honours whakapapa and emotional truth. We set media boundaries and prioritise manaakitanga.

Add your own myth from what you’ve heard and replace it with evidence gathered today.

Guided Viewing Anchor

Before Watching:
  • What kaupapa is this haka serving?
  • Who holds decision-making power over the performance?
During Watching:
  • Record kupu, gestures, and formations that communicate the kaupapa.
  • Note voice qualities (volume, pace, call, response) and what they achieve.

Performance Analysis Tables

Haka as Protest

Evidence (Voice/Movement) What it Communicates Connection to Te Tiriti / Justice

Haka as Celebration

Evidence (Voice/Movement) Whakapapa & Values Expressed How Manaakitanga is Shown

Haka as Whānau Support

Evidence (Voice/Movement) Emotions Shared Follow-up Actions Needed

Collective Expression Blueprint

Plan Your Collective Expression

Element Our Decisions Tikanga Check
Kaupapa & Purpose
Voices & Leaders
Gestures & Formations
Karanga/Karakia/Waiata Support
Media / Sharing Protocols

Finish with a short script (written or audio) explaining how this expression honours whānau and kaupapa.

Civic & Whānau Scenarios

Choose one scenario. Plan how you will prepare, perform, and debrief with tikanga.

  1. Kura Pōwhiri: What rehearsals and roles are needed? Who approves kupu and actions?
  2. Protest Support: How will you coordinate with organisers and protect participants?
  3. Whānau Celebration: What surprises or emotional triggers must you prepare for?

Reflection & Whānau Bridge

Whānau Pātai

  • ā€œHe aha te haka e tino maharatia ana e tō tātou whānau? He aha te take?ā€
  • ā€œKo wai ō tātou kaihaka, kaiwaiata, kaitautoko? Me pēhea e tautoko tonu ai tātou i a rātou?ā€
  • ā€œHe aha ō tātou tikanga mō te hopu whakaahua, te tohatoha rānei i ngā haka?ā€

Personal Reflection

  • I can articulate one responsibility I carry when witnessing or performing haka.
  • I can describe how haka strengthens collective wellbeing in my contexts.
  • I can identify next steps for learning from whānau or mentors.

Teacher Notes

  • Capture a sample of each student’s analysis table for Mātainuku moderation.
  • Invite kapa haka mentors to co-evaluate collective expression plans.
  • Pair this handout with Unit 1 Lesson 4 Treaty workshops for civic transfer.