Kapa haka plays a large role in the revitalisation of the Māori language and Māori cultural values. It enhances positive well-being by encouraging a sense of belonging, providing a safe place in which to practice te reo me ōna tikanga.
Alongside waiata (songs) and actions, tauira will learn where kapa haka started, how it has grown, the importance of kapa haka today. Each kura (school) will come away with a bracket tailored to their ability and confident, which they know how to sing and perform.
Our kapa haka program is structured by
- Introduction to all things 'haka'
- Creating a bracket
- Learning a bracket
- Performing a bracket)
Creating a bracket - developing ideas
During the introduction session/s tauira and kaiako will share and discuss suitable waiata alongside their eTeacher. These waiata will be used to create a bracket for the class/kura to use. The eTeacher will support tauira and kaiako to understand the meaning and ideas behind each waiata.
Learning the songs - practical knowledge
After developing idea’s around a bracket the eTeacher will support tauira in gaining practical knowledge of basic Kapa haka movement, actions and vocal expressions. Such as wiri, takahi, vocal warm ups, and the confidence to waiata/ sing.
Performance - communicating and interpreting
Finally, tauira and kaiako will gain the tools and confidence to communicate their learning by sharing and performing their bracket in front of others.
Kapa haka provides a learning environment that celebrates Māori culture and what it means to be Maori and a New Zealander. The benefits of participating in Kapa haka are:
- the recognition that, as Māori, we add value to New Zealand’s unique identity;
- the embedding of Māori values (e.g. whanaungatanga, ako, tuakana/teina);
- increased confidence gained from ‘performance’;
- an appreciation of the different dimensions that contribute to holistic well-being (hauora);
- an enhanced ability to communicate meaning through visual language eg. action songs and haka;
- physical stamina, fitness and coordination;
- cognitive stimulation due to the demands of recitation, repetition and memorisation;
- a sense of solidarity from being in a collective, as part of a team;
- self-discipline and commitment;
- exposure to leadership opportunities and role-modelling;
- personal growth and development.
*Kapa haka – A catalyst for change