Maori posture dance with vigorous movements, chanted words, stamping, and fierce facial expressions (pukana); globally known through the All Blacks' pre-match Ka Mate.

Where did the Haka originate?

The Haka originated in New Zealand (Māori) in 1000 BCE.

Dance History›Global Pacific Islands & Oceania›Haka

Global Pacific Islands & OceaniaHAK

Haka

OriginNew Zealand (Māori)

Era1000 BCE–Present

History & Cultural Context

The Haka is a traditional posture dance of the Maori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand), characterized by vigorous body movements, rhythmic foot stamping, chest beating, glaring widened eyes (pukana), tongue protrusion (whetero), and powerful chanting. Though often described as a "war dance," the Haka encompasses many forms performed for diverse purposes — welcoming distinguished guests, celebrating achievements, acknowledging great occasions, and expressing communal identity and pride.

The most internationally recognized Haka is "Ka Mate," composed around 1820 by Te Rauparaha, a chief of Ngati Toa Rangatira. New Zealand's All Blacks rugby team has performed it before international matches since the 1905 "Originals" tour. "Ka Mate" is one of many Haka, each composed for a specific purpose. Every gesture carries meaning: the widened eyes (pukana) show ferocity and alertness, the protruding tongue (whetero) issues a challenge, and the synchronized stamping connects performers to the earth and to each other. In Maori accounts, performance also expresses wairua (spirit) and asserts mana (standing and authority). The Haka is legally protected in New Zealand: the Haka Ka Mate Attribution Act 2014, arising from the Ngati Toa Rangatira Treaty settlement, establishes a right of attribution to Te Rauparaha for Ka Mate, and unauthorized commercial uses have been formally contested.

Haka Music & Tempo

Drawn from 22 Haka tracks in the LODance music library.

Example tracks at practice tempo

Haka — Rangiatea
Haka Powhiri: Powhiritia Atu — Ratana Senior Concert Party
Haka Taparahi: Paikea — Te Aute Maori College Boys' Choir
The Haka — Maori Tribe
Haka Hou — Kahurangi Maori Dance Ensemble
Ka Mate Ka Mate — Aotearoa Maori Chorale

Browse & play all 22 Hakatracks in the Music Library →

Who governs Haka

Federations, councils and examining bodies with a recorded role in this style. No single organisation can tell you this — each one knows only itself.

Te Matatini Society IncorporatedFederation · New ZealandSanctions competition in Haka

Haka on screen

Films and television where Haka appears, with the sequences worth watching for.

The Heart Dances (2018)1 sequence indexedKa Mate footage and the cultural-consultation reckoning · chor. Jiří Bubeníček

This site uses TMDB and the TMDB APIs but is not endorsed, certified, or otherwise approved by TMDB.

What to Wear

Attire guidance for Haka and other Global Pacific Islands & Oceania dances. Each card below is sized to the moment — class, practice, social, or competition — because the wardrobe shifts as the stakes do.

Reading the cards

Class — group instruction; comfort first.

Practice — rehearsal; dress like the dance.

Social — public dance floor; smart casual to formal.

Competition — judged events; rule-bound costume.

In Class

Comfortable clothing allowing hip and arm movement. Pareo/sarong wraps are common for Polynesian dance class.

Social Dancing

Traditional dress appropriate to the specific island culture for performances and cultural events.

Competition

Traditional costume — Hula: ti-leaf skirts, leis, specific adornments. Tahitian: more elaborate hip ornaments (more). Maori: piupiu (flax skirts) and traditional adornments.

Shoes

Barefoot is traditional and essential across Pacific Island dance forms. The connection between feet and earth/floor is spiritually and technically integral.

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In Practice

Barefoot from day one — the foot-to-floor connection is part of the technique across Pacific traditions, not removable equipment.

Price Range

Budget: Pareo $20–60; practice clothing from existing wardrobe.
Mid: Performance attire and adornments $150–600 depending on tradition.
Premium: Hand-crafted ceremonial pieces (lei, headdresses, piupiu) commissioned through community networks; pricing varies significantly by tradition and craftsmanship.

Key Terms

Pareo / sarong: Wrap-style fabric used in Polynesian and Pacific Island dance practice and performance.
Piupiu: Flax skirt worn in Maori traditional dance forms.

Quick Tips

•Suede-soled shoes allow controlled sliding and pivoting — essential for most partner dances.
•Avoid rubber soles on dance floors; they grip too much and can cause knee injuries.
•Bring a separate pair of clean shoes for the dance floor to keep it in good condition.

Evolution of Dance Attire →Shop the look · Gear Guide →

Sources & Further Reading

Cultural & Historical Context

Haka emerged from New Zealand (Māori) during 1000 BCE—present day. Understanding the cultural roots, musical traditions, and social circumstances of this era enriches appreciation for the dance's characteristics and significance.

Primary Source Documents

The Library of Dance contains public-domain primary sources for dance history. Copyrighted modern syllabi are indexed with purchase links to their respective copyright owners. Search by dance name or codifier to discover primary source documents.

Last reviewed: September 2026 — This dance profile synthesizes historical research, cultural documentation, and contemporary practice knowledge to provide authoritative context.

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