High School Students at a school in New Zealand performed a traditional Maori war dance to honour their teacher who died.
The entire school performed an emotional Haka during a school funeral service for a teacher.
The Haka is a traditional war cry, war dance, or challenge in Māori culture. It is a posture dance performed by a group, with vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment.
War haka were originally performed by warriors before a battle, proclaiming their strength and prowess in order to intimidate the opposition, but haka are also performed to welcome distinguished guests, or to acknowledge great achievements, occasions or funerals.
The teacher who passed away, Mr Tamatea, taught physical education and maths and had worked at the school for almost 30 years after joining the teaching staff in 1986.
“We are extremely proud of our boys’ performance and we know that Mr Tamatea would be too.”
Although we may not understand what the Haka means, each Haka has a specific meaning and this one translates to
Be prepared, take hold, reach out
We of Palmerston North Boys’ High School stand steadfast within our Domain
Standing firm, standing proud, standing with respect
To uphold, to uplift
To uplift, to uphold
The prestige of our school
Our aims are to seek knowledge and reach our goals and aspirations. Seek the horizon of aspirations and draw near to it
Those aspirations that are near, take them and it be known, yes, let it be known.
Let your adrenalin abound high above
It is done
Watch the emotional and powerful performance below:
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