Types of Haka

Overview

This 60-minute lesson is designed for Year 12 & 13 Social Sciences students in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is lesson 3 in the unit "Exploring Te Ao Haka." The focus is on understanding the different types of haka, including the famous Ka Mate haka and the broader practice of Kapa Haka. Students will explore the unique characteristics and purposes of these styles, working collaboratively to identify, categorise, and reflect on their significance in whakamana (empowerment) and cultural identity.

This lesson strictly aligns with Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, integrating social sciences, tikanga Māori, and language development, and supports students to develop competencies in their language, cultural identity, and group participation.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Whakaritea me te tautuhi i ngā momo haka matua o Aotearoa me ō rātou kaupapa me ngā āhuatanga (Identify and categorise key types of haka and their purposes).
• Whakamahi i te reo Māori ki te whakamārama me te matapaki i ngā momo haka (Use te reo Māori appropriately to describe and discuss haka types).
• Mahi ngātahi i ngā rōpū hei whakapakari i te mātauranga me te mōhiotanga mō te ao haka (Collaborate effectively in groups to deepen knowledge and understanding of haka).
• Whakamāramatia ngā painga me ngā tikanga e hāngai ana ki ia momo haka (Explain the cultural significance and protocols relating to each haka type).

Curriculum references

• Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, Social Sciences:
• Develop the competency of Ngā Hononga (relationships/community participation) through group work.
• Engage with Tikanga-a-Iwi (tribal customs) and Te Reo Māori acquisition by exploring cultural practices.
• Reflect on Ngā Mahi Tuku Iho (cultural heritage) by understanding haka in its cultural context.
• Key Competencies:
• Whanaungatanga (Building relationships)
• Manaakitanga (Respect and care)
• Kotahitanga (Unity and collaboration)

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Lesson Structure

Time	Activity	Description	Resources
5 min	Mihi / Whakatau	Begin with a karakia and a brief mihi to set a respectful tone. Recap the last lesson on the importance of haka in Māori culture.	Karakia, mihi script
10 min	Introduction to Types of Haka	Teacher introduces the concept of different haka types: Ka Mate, Kapa Haka, Peruperu, Tūtūngārahu, etc. Explain their distinct purposes (e.g., Ka Mate as a haka pōwhiri, Peruperu as a war haka).	Visual slideshow with images/videos of each haka type
15 min	Group Activity: Haka Identification and Categorisation	Students divided into 5 groups of 5. Each group receives different haka videos and descriptions. Task: identify which haka type it is, its purpose, and key features (actions, waiata, posture). Groups prepare a short presentation.	Tablets/laptops for video viewing, printed haka info sheets
15 min	Group Presentations and Discussion	Groups present their findings. Class discusses similarities, differences, and cultural significance. Emphasis on Māori values embedded in haka.	Group presentation notes, whiteboard for key points
10 min	Reflection and Consolidation	Whole-class oral reflection in te reo Māori: "He aha te hiranga o te mōhiotanga mō ngā momo haka i roto i te ao hurihuri?" ("What is the importance of understanding different haka in today's world?"). Teacher notes key insights.	Reflection prompts
5 min	Closing and Homework Explanation	Summarise key learning. Explain homework task: Write a short paragraph in te reo Māori describing one haka type and its significance, drawing on today's learning.	Homework handout

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Detailed Activities

Mihi / Whakatau (5 mins)

• Open with a karakia whakatau (welcome prayer).
• Teacher leads quick round of greetings to reinforce classroom whanaungatanga.
• Quick recap: What did we learn about haka last lesson? (activation of prior knowledge)

Introduction to Types of Haka (10 mins)

• Show a slideshow with images and short video clips of:
• Ka Mate (commonly known, pōwhiri/celebratory haka)
• Kapa Haka (the performing arts cultural groups, various haka performed)
• Peruperu (traditional war haka)
• Tūtūngārahu (a lesser-known haka for specific occasions)
• Explain different purposes (e.g., welcoming guests, challenging opponents, celebrating achievements).
• Highlight tikanga (protocols) for presentation and performance.

Group Activity: Haka Identification and Categorisation (15 mins)

• Groups are given tablets/laptops with curated videos and printed descriptions.
• Task instructions:

1. Watch the haka video(s).
2. Identify the type of haka.
3. Discuss in te reo Māori key features: actions (wero, ūpoko pākē, etc.), posture, voice.
4. Articulate what situation or purpose this haka serves.

• Encourage use of te reo Māori and tikanga-focused vocabulary learnt in prior lessons.

Group Presentations and Class Discussion (15 mins)

• Each group presents (3 minutes per group).
• Teacher facilitates discussion, noting on board:
• Commonalities and differences.
• Cultural values expressed (manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, kotahitanga).
• How haka functions as a living cultural practice.

Reflection and Consolidation (10 mins)

• Engage students in an oral reflection around the importance of haka knowledge to their identity and wider society.
• Encourage te reo Māori use supported by sentence starters:
• "He mea nui te mōhio ki te haka nā te mea..."
• "Ka taea e te haka te whakaatu i..."
• Teacher synthesises reflections, affirming student contributions.

Closing and Homework (5 mins)

• Recap today's learning outcomes.
• Set homework: Students write a paragraph in te reo Māori on one haka learned today and its significance.
• Remind students this will feed into a summative assessment later in the unit.

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Assessment and Feedback

• Formative assessment during group presentations and reflection.
• Use oral contributions and group work to gauge understanding of haka types.
• Homework writing task to assess te reo Māori use in context.
• Informal feedback during class discussions to support language development and tikanga accuracy.

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Resources Required

• Video clips of haka types (Ka Mate, Peruperu, Kapa Haka performances, Tūtūngārahu)
• Printed information sheets with haka descriptions and tikanga notes
• Tablets/laptops or projector for video display
• Whiteboard and markers
• Karakia and mihi scripts
• Homework handout with writing prompts

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Notes for Teachers

• Whakawhanaungatanga (building relationships) is key. Encourage respectful listening and contributions.
• Promote the use of te reo Māori throughout, providing scaffolding where necessary to support language confidence.
• Emphasise the living nature of haka and their role in contemporary Māori identity and society.
• Link to students' own experiences with haka and local iwi practices if possible.

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This lesson supports the development of key Māori values, engages students in language and cultural learning, and aligns strongly with Te Marautanga o Aotearoa social sciences objectives and competencies encouraging bilingual and bicultural education in Aotearoa New Zealand,,.