Origins of the New Zealand Haka – Ka Mate

Iconic Cultural Maori Dance in which the Entire Body Speaks

Sep 12, 2009

As with any highly regarded relic, the origins of the Haka lay in a confusing past of smoky fact and conflicting legend

Myth isn’t about the telling, it’s about the re-telling. It’s the way a story can evolve and twist its way into the very consciousness of a people. It’s about how this story can then take on its own very tangible influence; the power to incite its people to fiercely defend it as fact. No matter how implausible the story it takes root, it defines those who tell it and fulfills those who feed from the intensity it generates.

The Haka and Ancient Maori Verbal Tradition

The Maori seafarers who colonized New Zealand had no form of written language. Legends, traditions and details of tribal lineage were, therefore, primarily passed down through the generations via word of mouth. Ka Mate is but one such example of this early file sharing; perhaps evolving through time picking up and losing lines of verse until finally taking its place as the most instantly recognizable of New Zealand icons.

The story of Te Rauparaha and his connection to this particular version of the Haka has long been accepted, but more recently challenged, as Ka Mate’s definitive genesis. Perhaps, there is some truth that this version is an adaptation of a much earlier piece, one that has been crafted to address a certain time and place. We even see this in the performers of today as they seek relevance by gathering and borrowing, updating and even stealing from songs gone by.

Although Ka Mate still speaks of an ancient mindset and is by no means contemporary, it still to this day rivets. It can only be imagined what strength it had, when galvanizing warring factions on the battlefield or enticing them to drink strength from their warrior forefathers. We may never conclusively agree on the true meaning behind the words. But does it really matter - the electricity is no less real.

The Tale of Te Rauparaha and his Haka

It is the New Zealand of the early 1800’s and Te Rauparaha, great Rangatira (Chief) of the Ngati Toa is on the run. The Maori are immersed in bloody inter-tribal conflict and the Ngati Tuwharetoa are in hot pursuit. With his enemy rapidly closing in, Te Rauparaha seeks refuge within the fortified village of Chief Te Wharerangi at Motuopuhi.

Te Rauparaha Finds Inspiration and Composes Ka Mate

Begrudgingly, Te Rauparaha is told to conceal himself in a pit used for the storage of kumara (sweet potato). Te Wharerangi’s wife, Te Rangikoaea is then instructed to sit over the pit so as to shield Te Rauparaha from his pursuers.

The general explanation for this is sexual. No self-respecting warrior would dare hide beneath the genitalia of a woman, an obvious stroke of genius that would surely secure his hiding place and push the Ngati Tuwharetoa to search elsewhere. Another reason suggested for including Te Rangikoaea in the storyline is that female sex organs were also believed to neutralize incantation. So it would be that any incoming spells the approaching enemy saw fit to hurl would be deflected.

The Haka is Born at the Bottom of a Kumara Pit

Soundly hidden in his famous pit, Te Rauparaha now sets about composing his famous variation of the Haka. With his enemies foot steps now above him the first lines, thoughts of death, are gravely whispered. But then a sudden burst of optimism, as it appears that Te Rangaikoaea’s gynecological defense system is in fact working. The disillusioned Ngati Tuwharetoa leave and we enter into a final uplifting verse of grateful empowerment; saved ultimately by the ‘Hairy Man’ Te Rauparaha climbs triumphantly from the pit and into the brilliant sunlight above.

It is then said that he performs his new Haka for the first time in its entirety; grateful, emboldened and defiant having so decisively tricked his enemy.

Ka Mate: Maori and English Translation

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The copyright of the article Origins of the New Zealand Haka – Ka Mate in New Zealand History is owned by Hari Navarro. Permission to republish Origins of the New Zealand Haka – Ka Mate in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.