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Te Ao Haka Quiz

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Te Ao Haka Quiz

Read the short kōrero and each question carefully. Answer in English, te reo Māori, or both where appropriate. Use evidence from the kōrero and your own knowledge. Haka practices and meanings can vary between iwi and hapū; avoid treating one example as the only way haka is performed.

Kōrero: Te Ao Haka

Haka is a living Māori performance practice. It can bring together words, rhythm, movement, posture, facial expression and the voices of a group. Haka may be performed in many settings, including formal welcomes, commemorations, celebrations and kapa haka events. Its purpose depends on the occasion and the people performing it. Haka are not all the same. For example, a haka pōwhiri may form part of a welcome, while peruperu is a term associated with a type of war haka. The history and use of particular haka are connected to the people who compose, teach and perform them. Some haka carry stories, names and relationships across generations. Ka Mate is a haka composed by Te Rauparaha of Ngāti Toa Rangatira. It tells of danger, escape and renewed life. It is one well-known haka, but it does not represent every haka or every iwi. Te Matatini is a national kapa haka festival held every two years. At performances, roles and sequences can differ between groups and event formats. In some kapa haka contexts, kaiwhakaeke refers to the group’s opening entrance item; the term does not simply mean the person who leads a haka. Learning about haka involves more than learning movements. It also means considering context, language, relationships and the mana of the people connected to a particular haka. When a haka is shared or used in a new setting, asking who has authority to share it and how to show respect can be important.

Wāhanga 1 | Understanding the kōrero

Answer Questions 1–5 using the kōrero above.

1.Which statement best describes haka according to the kōrero?

Every haka is a challenge performed before battle.
Haka is a living performance practice whose purpose depends on its context.
Haka is performed only at kapa haka festivals.
All haka use the same movements and facial expressions.

2.Match each term to the description given in the kōrero.

haka pōwhiri
peruperu
Ka Mate
Te Matatini

Composed by Te Rauparaha of Ngāti Toa Rangatira
May form part of a welcome
A term associated with a type of war haka
A national kapa haka festival held every two years

3.True or false? The kōrero says Ka Mate represents every haka and every iwi. Correct the statement if it is false.

TrueFalse

4.Fill in the blank: In some kapa haka contexts, kaiwhakaeke refers to the group’s opening item.

5.Give two reasons, from the kōrero, why learning about haka involves more than learning movements.

Wāhanga 2 | Apply your understanding

Use the kōrero and your own reasoning. More than one thoughtful answer may be possible for the discussion questions.

6.A community group is preparing a haka for a formal welcome. Explain why it would be important to understand the occasion and the haka’s connections before performing it.

7.The kōrero says haka can bring together words, rhythm, movement, posture, facial expression and group voices. Choose two of these features and explain how they might work together to communicate meaning.

8.A visitor assumes that every haka is a war challenge. Use two details from the kōrero to explain why this assumption is too simple.

9.In your own words, explain one idea about the story or meaning of Ka Mate stated in the kōrero.

10.A media company wants to use a haka in an advertisement. Describe two respectful questions the company should consider before doing so, and explain why each matters.

11.Write a short concluding response explaining how haka can connect people across generations. Include at least two ideas from the kōrero and use one relevant te reo Māori term accurately.