What is kapa haka?

SummaryKapahaka Group established as Te Whānau Mai Tawhiti. Main BodyThe term Kapa haka (kapa meaning 'rank' or 'row' and haka refers to a Māori dance) is commonly known in Aotearoa as 'Māori Performing Arts' or the 'cultural dance' of Māori people. Kapa haka is an avenue for Māori people to express their heritage and cultural identity through song and dance.

It can be said that Kapa haka dates back to pre-European times where it developed from all traditional forms of Māori pastimes; haka, mau rākau (Māori weaponry), poi (tiny ball attached to rope or string) and moteatea (traditional Māori songs). The significance of these everyday activitites were influential to the development of kapa haka.

A kapa haka performance involves choral singing, dance and movements associated in the hand-to-hand combat practiced by Māori in precolonial times, presented in a synchronisation of action, timing, posture, footwork and sound. The genre evolved out of a combination of European and Māori musical principles.

Relates To

OrganisationsTauranga Memories (2011-2021) - Organisations

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AuthorTe Whānau Mai TawhitiType of ContributionCommunity story Last edited by: Matanga Taonga Tuku Iho Maori

TaxonomyStories | OrganisationsStories | Organisations

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What is kapa haka?