Haka
Various kinds of haka (war dance) were performed by Maori warriors before battle to unite them in anger or courage, and to intimidate the enemy.
The best known haka is "Ka Mate". It has been performed before Test Matches by the All Blacks rugby football team since 1905, and more recently by other teams. It may well have been the haka performed by the New Zealand Native Team which toured the United Kingdom in 1888-89.
There are various versions of when it originated, which reflect both literal and figurative meanings. Some ascribe it to a Ngati Toa chief, Te Rauparaha. Others say that it was a much older haka that celebrated the triumph of Maui in capturing the sun, an analogy of the triumph of life over death.
Taonga Puoro
Hirini Moko Mead tells us that about 40 different kinds of instruments are now known and can be demonstrated. Perhaps the best know is the koauau (traditional flute) which has been revived in recent years. Mead credits Richard Nunns and the late Hirini Melbourne as having taken the lead in making and playing taonga puoro, which are now often heard at the start of important ceremonies.
Richard Nunns and Radio New Zealand have recently recorded a major collection of music played on taonga puoro called "He Ara Puoro" (A Pathway of Song).
Waiata
There are many forms of waiata used for different purposes including oriori (lullabies), waiata tangi (laments), waiata aroha (songs of love), ngeri (a type of chant), manawawera (a form of challenge) and waiata poi (poi songs).
You can listen to four waiata recorded by Radio Kahungungu and sung by "The Irirangi Singers" Joseph Te Rito, John Harmer, Patricia Te Rangi and Hawea Tomoana (also guitarist) by following the link provided.
