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Why are New Zealand doing the haka, what do the words mean and how will England respond?

Online Niel November 2, 2024

The haka will be the main topic of conversation when New Zealand travel to face England at Twickenham on Saturday in the 2024 Autumn Nations Series.

This traditional Maori haka dance was first performed by the team, which was called The Natives, in 1888 and 1889 when the Kiwi rugby team played in Great Britain and Australia.

While initially players only performed the haka when playing overseas, after 1986 they began to make the dance significant in home matches as well.

Here’s a comprehensive look at how the haka came about, the deep meaning behind it, what the spoken words mean and its importance to Maori.

The Haka is a Maori ceremonial dance.

It includes movements such as foot tapping, rhythmic body slapping and, perhaps most famously, sticking out the tongue along with loud singing.

Who created the haka and what does the dance mean?

The Haka was created by the Maori people to celebrate various aspects of life.

The story goes that the Maori sun god, Tama-nui-te-ra, and his wife Hine-Raumati, who embodies summer, had a son named Tane-rore. On hot summer days, her little boy danced to Hine-Raumati, making the air tremble. Its quick and easy movements are the inspiration behind the haka dances.

From welcoming distinguished guests and acknowledging great occasions or achievements to intimidating rivals and proclaiming power before a battle, dance is performed to communicate a variety of emotions and situations.

There are different types of haka. Tūtū Ngārahu, for example, sees the performers jump from side to side, while Whakatū Waewae does not involve jumping. And while the Ngeri is performed to psychologically motivate a warrior, the Manawa wera haka is often associated with death and funerals.

What do the All Blacks say during the haka?

Different haka dances include different songs. The one performed and made famous by the All Blacks is the Ka Mate haka, which was composed by Ngati Toa Chief Te Rauparaha around 1820. Ka Mate was created during a time of conflict between two tribes, so the song fits the story.

The Maori words to the song are: “Ka mate! Ka friend! What time! What time! Ka friend! Ka friend! What time! Ka ora! Tenei te tangata puhuru huru! Nana nei i tiki mai! Change te ra! A up… us! ka upa…ne! A upane kaupane white te ra! Hi!”

In English, the song translates as: “I die! die! I live! I live! die! die! I live! I live! This is the hairy man who brought the Sun and made it shine again. One step up! Another step up! One step up, another… The sun is shining!”

In August 2005, before the Tri-Nations Test match against South Africa, the All Blacks performed Kapa O Pango, a new haka about the All Blacks, for the first time.

Kapa O Pango’s chant translates to: “Let me go back to my first breath. Let my life force return to earth.

“New Zealand is thundering now. And it’s my time! It’s my time! Passion ignites! This defines us as the All Blacks.

“And it’s my time! It’s my time! Anticipation explodes! Feel the power. Our dominance is growing. Our supremacy emerges. To be put on top. Silver Fern! All Blacks! Silver Fern! All Blacks!”

How will England respond to the haka?

Most teams line up in respectful opposition to the haka and watch it in silence, but some have chosen to challenge it over the years.

However, there are limits to how you can do this, World Rugby does not allow teams to leave their own half while the haka is being performed.

Challenges ranged from Australia’s David Campese defiantly practicing his kicks instead of watching, to accusations, head-butting, Sebastien Chabal’s famous stare and more.

England’s players produced a V-formation during the haka ahead of their incredible World Cup semi-final win over Japan’s All Blacks in 2019 and all eyes will be on how they react on Saturday after the controversy sparked by Marler’s comments this week.

New Zealand’s All Blacks perform the haka ahead of the 2024 Summer Test against England in Dunedin

“We will discuss it later, have a meeting and see what the problem is,” England representative Ellis Genge said on Friday.

“We’re not going to start climbing on each other’s shoulders, but we’re going to stand there respectfully and watch.

“I’ve only faced it once (in 2022). It’s massive in the history of the game. Most people who aren’t necessarily too into rugby still know what the haka is.

“It’s a massive part of rugby in general. I know some people are divided on it, but I quite like it. It’s a bit of a challenge. I’m a big fan of his.

“You’re not allowed to advance on her anyway? I don’t know the decision. It’s a good part of the game and I don’t think we should get rid of it.

“I think you should be able to respond, but everyone is respectful when they do. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone take Michael, so to speak.

“I really like the impact it has, but it’s a challenge, isn’t it? Obviously we want Twickenham on their feet, whether there’s a haka or not. I’m sure they’ll impact it in their own way.”

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