Why I Think it is Important to Learn Maori

I think it is important to learn Maori because  I think we all should know about what our native culture is all about. And if we don't paid more attention to our native language it could be lost forever like so many other languages.

I myself come from Tonga, and my parents are always saying that I should speak more of my native language or I will not truly know where I come from, and this could be the case with the Maori language.  

Different types of Haka

Haka Peruperu- Haka Peruperu is a war dance that would be performed with weapons by warriors in the face of the enemy. These were performed to inspire the warriors to make great acts of strength and bravery, and also put fear in the hearts of the enemy.

 Haka Puha- This haka is similar to a Haka Peruperu, This haka is used to signal family to prepare to protect their Pa and homes.

Haka Ngeri- Haka ngeri was performed with out any weapons  and was used to empower and make a group think of achieving their goal.

Haka Taparahi- Haka Taparahi is a well known type of haka in the east coast, This haka was taught to the young men of the east coast villages. They would refer to the stance as a strong and solid home, the facial and body language would show what is in your wairua and the hands and face would tell the story. We cant see what it is but the combination of the actions that are performed reveal the real story.

Haka taparahi – Waiata tawhito – traditional Māori songs – Te Ara 

Maori Warfare

The war party was called a taua involved a very large amount of toa, rangatira, and tohunga, All these warriors would usually travel to battle in a waka taua.

 Maori warfare would break out in between the villages for a number of reasons, these would include a fight for land, Mana of the tribe, food and resources, and utu towards the other tribe. The victors would take prisoners of the defeated tribes people, They would go to their villages and enslave their women and children.

But at the end of all conflict, it was always important for both villages to make peace. After a very long sequence of battle and war, the Moriori tribe from the Chatham Islands declared a end to war and did have a very long period of peace.