History of Haka in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 15, 2024

Haka are traditional Māori ceremonial dances performed by groups of men and women. These performances involve vigorous movements, foot stamping, and rhythmic shouting. Haka serve various social functions, including welcoming distinguished guests, acknowledging achievements, marking important occasions, and honoring the deceased.

1905: All Blacks Adopt Haka

In 1905, the New Zealand rugby union team, known as the All Blacks, adopted the haka as a pre-game ritual, popularizing it internationally.

1979: Haka Party Protest

In 1979, a protest erupted at the University of Auckland due to the annual "haka party", where engineering students parodied the haka with offensive gestures. This led to clashes and arrests, highlighting cultural sensitivity and sparking anti-racism protests.

1983: Poi E Music Video Release

The music video for "Poi E" by the Pātea Māori Club was released in 1983, blending kapa haka and hip-hop choreography.

2006: American Football Teams Adopt Haka

In 2006, the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team began performing the haka pre-game, a practice adopted from Kahuku High School, where the student body includes Polynesian communities.

2009: Ngāti Toa Deed of Settlement

In 2009, a Deed of Settlement was agreed upon between Ngāti Toa, the New Zealand Government, and New Zealand Rugby Union, addressing concerns around the authorship and ownership of the "Ka Mate" haka.

2010: Poi E in Boy

In 2010, the "Poi E" choreography was featured in Taika Waititi's film Boy, mixed with moves from Michael Jackson's Thriller video.

December 2011: First Haka at Roller Derby World Cup

Team New Zealand unexpectedly performed a haka at the 2011 Roller Derby World Cup, starting a new tradition.

2011: Flashmob Haka Trend

In 2011, flashmob haka performances gained popularity as a way to support the All Blacks during the Rugby World Cup, though some Māori leaders criticized this trend.

November 2012: Gangnam Style Haka Performance

In November 2012, a Māori kapa haka group performed a fusion of "Gangnam Style" and traditional haka in Seoul, commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations between South Korea and New Zealand.

2012: Ngāti Toa Deed of Settlement Signed

The Deed of Settlement recognizing Ngāti Toa's ownership of the "Ka Mate" haka was officially signed in 2012, resolving long-standing concerns about cultural appropriation.

December 2014: Haka on Roller Skates

In December 2014, Team New Zealand performed a haka on roller skates at the Roller Derby World Cup in Dallas, Texas.

2014: France Holds Largest Haka Record

Prior to 2024, France held the official world record for the largest haka performance.

2017: Dwayne Johnson Performs Haka

Actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson performed a haka in the film The Fate of the Furious in 2017.

2018: Jason Momoa Performs Haka

Actor Jason Momoa performed a haka at the Aquaman premiere in Los Angeles in 2018.

March 2019: Haka in Remembrance

In March 2019, haka performances were held to honor the victims of the Christchurch mosque shootings.

September 2024: Largest Haka Record Attempt

In September 2024, a large gathering attempted to break the world record for the largest haka performance in Auckland's Eden Park.

November 2024: Parliamentary Haka Protest

In November 2024, MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke led a haka inside the New Zealand Parliament to protest the Treaty Principles Bill, leading to her suspension.