NZ MP performs powerful Haka in Parliament: Lesser known facts about Maori tribe and the essence of Haka

A young and dynamic New Zealand MP, Hana-Rawhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke, took the world by storm when she performed an energetic Haka when she was appointed to the NZ parliament. The world loved her identity, the representation she gave to the people, and of course, the energy that came with Haka, the traditional Maori dance.
And then a few days ago she made headlines again when she disrupted the parliament by tearing up a copy of the Indigenous Treaty Bill, and roared into the Haka, along with other members of the Parliament.

The representation of Haka thus became more prominent, and more and more people wish to know about the Maoris, the Haka, the tattoos on their faces, their symbolism, and the essence of their dance.

Who are the Maori?

The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, known for their traditions, spiritual beliefs, and strong sense of community. Maori culture has endured centuries of torture and struggle, first in the hands of the ‘Crown’, and later others who wished to claim a spot on their land.
And today, as amends are being made, more and more people wish to know about them, their culture, and all they do. Well for starters, the most famous aspect of the Maori culture is the Haka, a powerful war dance known for its intensity, facial expressions, and rhythm. Haka gave the Maoris a voice during times of despair, and the energy of the chants rages through their nerves during times of trial. Haka is deeply spiritual, forms their bonds, and makes them realise the power within them.

Some lesser-known facts

While the Haka has now become the talk of the world (not just the town), there are some lesser known aspects of the Maori people that one must know.
For example, for the Maori, ‘wHakapapa’ or their ancestry, is of great importance. The WHakapapa is not just a family tree, but also places them true to their identity, their Gods, their community deities, and more. Through wHakapapa, Maori people trace their lineage back to their ancestors, the earth, and the universe itself.

The Maori tattoo
Another very prominent identity of the Maori people are their tattoos which can be seen on their faces.
These tattoos are called ‘ta moko’ which is a traditional Maori art form, deeply symbolic and respected. Ta moko designs are unique to each person and are a depiction of their social status, their genealogy, what they have done for society, and more.

Unlike Western tattooing, ta moko is traditionally chiseled into the skin rather than inked with needles, creating patterns that stand out on the face and body.

The essence and energy of Haka
The Haka has now become the most famous identity of the Maori people. And although traditionally it was a war dance, the Haka serves various purposes today.
And even before the young New Zealand MP performed the Haka in Parliament, the women’s Rugby team of NZ had come into limelight for performing Haka before a match.

What goes into the Haka?

The most important part of the Haka is the facial expressions and body movements that become powerful tools of their body. There are energetic, powerful, and aggressive movements like stamping feet, slapping the chest, and extending the tongue outwards to convey emotions.
The bulging of eyes shows fierceness, strength, and focus, the extended tongue is meant to intimidate the opposition and convey a warrior’s spirit, the Ngeri, which is the chanting of the Haka, puts everything and everyone in complete harmony, fills people with energy, and is a sight to be awe in.

Haka today - A language for emotions

Today, the Haka has become a symbol of New Zealand’s identity. The New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks, famously performs the Haka before their matches as a tribute to Maori culture and as a way to inspire team unity. Haka is done during ceremonies like weddings, graduations, and funerals too, as a means of uniting the spirits, both living and dead, and to stay closer to the roots.
There is a Ngeri and a Haka for all feelings and expressions. The joy, sadness, pride, respect, intimidation, and much more. This language of the Haka allows the Maori to share their stories and emotions in ways that are above and beyond any words that could ever be spoken. It is a means of uniting, of respecting, and of bringing each of them together.