Exploring Effective Haka

Te Reo Māori — Māori Performing Arts | Year 10

Name:

Date:

🎯 WALT — We Are Learning To

Identify and analyse the key features (ngā āhuatanga tāpua) that make a haka effective, and explain how they work together to create impact.

✅ Success Criteria

Achievement: I can name at least 3 key features of haka (e.g., pukana, wiri, takahi, whetero, tuwaewae).

Merit: I can explain how each feature is used and why it matters in a haka performance.

Excellence: I can analyse how multiple features combine to create a powerful and culturally significant haka, and connect this to its purpose and context.

🔥 Starter: Debate Question

1. "Is being loud enough to make a haka good?" — What do you think? Write your opinion below. Give at least one reason.

💡 Sentence starter: "I think being loud is / is not enough because..."

📚 Key Features — Ngā Āhuatanga Tāpua

A powerful haka is made up of many features working together. These are called ngā āhuatanga tāpua (key features). On their own, each feature is important — but combined, they create something truly powerful.

Key Features to Know:

👁️ Pukana — Wide eyes, intense facial expression (used by wāhine and tāne)

👅 Whetero — Tongue protrusion (used by tāne only)

🤲 Wiri — Quivering of the hands and fingers

🦶 Takahi / Tuwaewae — Foot stamping / footwork

📐 Stance — Body position, posture, and grounding

🔊 Reo (Voice) — Volume, clarity, projection, and unity of words

⏱️ Taiea (Timing) — Synchronisation of movement and voice

😤 Hihiri (Energy/Expression) — Commitment, intensity, and emotional presence

🪢 Formations — Group positioning and spatial awareness

2. Circle the THREE features you think are most important in making a haka powerful, then explain why you chose them.

🎬 Comparative Activity — Watch Two Haka Clips

Your teacher will show you two different haka performances. As you watch, analyse each one using the table below. Rate each feature: Strong / Developing / Weak.

Haka Comparison Table

Feature | Haka A | Haka B

🔊 Voice (Reo) — volume, unity, clarity

Haka A:

Strong

Developing

Weak

Haka B:

Strong

Developing

Weak

⏱️ Timing (Taiea) — synchronisation, togetherness

Haka A:

Strong

Developing

Weak

Haka B:

Strong

Developing

Weak

😤 Expression (Pukana / Whetero) — facial intensity

Haka A:

Strong

Developing

Weak

Haka B:

Strong

Developing

Weak

⚡ Energy (Hihiri) — commitment, power, presence

Haka A:

Strong

Developing

Weak

Haka B:

Strong

Developing

Weak

🦶 Footwork / Stance (Tuwaewae) — grounding, power

Haka A:

Strong

Developing

Weak

Haka B:

Strong

Developing

Weak

3. Which haka was more effective overall? Circle your choice: Haka A / Haka B

💡 Sentence starter: "I think Haka ___ was more effective because..."

✍️ Guided Writing — Three Levels of Analysis

Good analysis moves through three levels. Practise each level below using one feature from the haka you watched.

4. Level 1 — Name It: Identify a feature you noticed in the haka.

I noticed the feature of _________________________________________ in the haka.

5. Level 2 — Explain It: How was this feature used?

💡 Sentence starter: "This feature was used by... / when... / to..."

6. Level 3 — Analyse It: What effect did this feature create? Why does it matter?

💡 Sentence starter: "This was effective because it created... / This connects to the purpose of haka by..."

🌟 Extension — Cultural Significance

For students ready for a deeper challenge:

7. How does the feature you analysed connect to the cultural purpose or whakapapa (origins) of haka? Why is it important that these features are performed correctly and with respect?

👥 Group Challenge

8. As a group, discuss and then write: What made one haka more effective than the other? Use at least 3 key features in your response. Each feature must be named, explained, and its effect described.

💡 Remember: Name it → Explain it → Analyse its effect

Features to consider: pukana, whetero, wiri, takahi, tuwaewae, reo, taiea, hihiri, formations, stance

🎟️ Exit Ticket

9. In your own words, explain what makes a haka effective. Use at least 2 key feature names (ngā āhuatanga tāpua) in your answer.

💡 Sentence starter: "A haka is effective when... because..."

Self-Assessment — How did I go today?

I can name key features of haka (Achievement)

I can explain how features are used and why they matter (Merit)

I can analyse how features combine to create a powerful, culturally significant haka (Excellence)

📎 Differentiation Notes for Students

If you need support: Use the sentence starters provided, refer to the key features list in Section 2, and discuss ideas with a partner before writing.

If you want a challenge: Complete the Extension question (Q7) and explore the cultural whakapapa of haka — research the origins of a specific haka (e.g., Ka Mate or Tūtūngāhau) and connect its features to its historical purpose.