New Zealand is known for it’s haka. There are competition hakas, different school hakas, funeral, wedding and other ceremonial hakas.  Each are performed with vigor and passion to say the least. The Maori war dance is one cool tradition that Kai participated in last week at New Plymouth Boys’ High.

The 4 houses from the school competed for best haka performance.  Each chooses a leader and improvisation is allowed.    That morning I scrambled down to the courts next to the main gully with only a few seconds to spare before the competition.  It was a good thing; the cultural headmaster, Mr. Davies,  managed to get his SD card stuck in his camera,  so I was needed to film the event.  Kai’s house is Barak and was awarded 2nd place barely getting edged out by Hatherly House.

Kai said the haka is something that is taken seriously by the boys. They practice over several days to perform the hand motions, body positions, and chants in unison.

“It’s very respectful and done with passion.  If I  was going into battle,  I wouldn’t be scared with all my comrades around me.”

The video below shows the entire Barak House haka and parts of the shirtless Hatherly House and all school haka. Yes, the hair on the back of your neck stands up when you see this live.  Enjoy, comrades!

(video is 7 minutes long but worth the watch. Kai is in the far back middle section behind a boy with glasses, giving it his all! )