New Zealand’s youngest MP Hana-Raviti Maipi-Clark tore up a copy of the controversial Treaty Principles Bill and performed the traditional Maori haka during a House session on Thursday. The bold move comes almost a year after she went viral for performing a haka during her maiden speech in Parliament. The 22-year-old Te Pati Māori MP disrupted the session by tearing up the bill before engaging in a powerful dance. She soon joined others in the public gallery, causing Speaker Gerry Brownlee to briefly suspend the House.
Maori Haka
The Māori Haka is a traditional performance that holds deep cultural significance for New Zealanders. It is known for its powerful energy, fiery facial expressions (pukana), and physical activities such as stamping, hand gestures, and chanting. The haka varies by region, telling many stories of important events in a tribe’s history.
Origin and significance
The origins of the haka are rooted in Māori mythology, created by Ten-Mor, the son of the sun god and a summer maid. It is a symbol of vitality and energy, representing the spirit of the Maori people. Traditionally, the haka was performed for battle, to celebrate achievements, or to welcome guests. Today, it is performed on important occasions such as sporting events, weddings and funerals.
Types of Haka
There are various forms of haka, each with its own unique purpose:
- Peruperu: Haka, a battle with weapons to show strength.
- Ngarahu: A semi-war dance performed to test the readiness of warriors.
- Haka tui weave: A non-combative haka expressing emotions such as joy or anger.
- Ka Mate: Created by Ngāti Toa chief Te Rauparaha, Ka Mate tells the story of his escape from captivity and his subsequent emergence as a great Māori leader.
The haka gained worldwide prominence through the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team performing the mat before each game. The purpose of the performance is to establish dominance, energize the team and respect Māori culture. This ritual has enthralled audiences globally.
To experience the haka first-hand, you can attend rugby matches or visit places like Rotterdam where you can watch live performances or take part in traditional Māori experiences.
