This video comes from Aotearoa, New Zealand – the land of the long white cloud. It is an incredible cultural tribute, honouring a teacher who died. Made us both cry! It is their school Haka and this is the translation:
Be prepared take hold
Reach out
We of Palmerston North Boys’ High School stand steadfast
Within our Domain
Standing firm
Standing proud
Standing with respect
To uphold
To uplift
To uplift
To uphold
The prestige of our school
Our aims are to seek knowledge
And reach our goals and aspirations
Seek the horizon of aspirations
And draw near to it
Those aspirations that are near, take them
And it be known, yes, let it be known
Let your adrenalin abound high above
It is done!!!”
Haka is the generic term for Maori dance, such as;
- Haka Taparahi (ceremonial dance) – done in ranks without weapons.
- Haka Waiata (dance with song) – a song with simple and gentle actions.
- Haka poi (rhythmical dance with small balls on cords twirled by the female dancers.
Alan Armstrong’s definition is most descriptive:
The haka is a composition played by many instruments. Hands, feet, legs, body, voice, tongue and eyes all play their part in blending together to convey in their fullness the challenge, welcome, exultation, defiance or contempt of the words. It is disciplined, yet emotional. More than any other aspect of Maori culture, this complex dance is an expression of the passion, vigour and identity of the race. It is at its best, truly, a message of the soul expressed by words and posture………… Maori games and Haka.
This next haka was performed very powerfully at a wedding.
