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Indigenous | Haka

Are technically skilled groups being appropriately acknowledged in haka competitions? | Kia Wiri! Episode 3

This episode challenges traditional competition structures, questioning whether specialised skills deserve greater acknowledgement and reward.

Nau mai ki te hōtaka pae pāhopori o Kia Wiri! He hōtaka ka ruku atu ai ki ngā kaupapa maha o te ao haka.

Kia Wiri! is a new series dedicated to all things haka. Get ready for some kōrero that might surprise you!

In Episode 3, we explore the role of poi and weaponry in competition, examining its influence on strategy to wow audiences and judges. Our panel of experts discusses whether these qualities are properly and appropriately acknowledged in haka competitions.

This episode challenges traditional competition structures, questioning whether specialised skills deserve greater acknowledgement and reward.

Whatitiri Te Wake
Whatitiri Te Wake

Whatitiri Te Wake (Te Rarawa ki Hokianga) is a multimedia producer for Te Ao Māori News with more than a decade of experience across Aotearoa’s leading newsrooms. He is passionate about amplifying community voices and driving change through storytelling. To share your kōrero, contact him at whatitiri.tewake@whakaatamaori.co.nz.

Peata Melbourne
Peata Melbourne

Peata Melbourne (Tūhoe, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata) is the News Editor at Whakaata Māori. Formerly the news anchor for the Whakaata Māori flagship show, Te Ao Mārama, she has also previously worked at the station as a current-affairs producer, reporter and presenter.