New Zealand's Youngest MP Performs Māori Haka In Her Parliament Speech, What Is This War Dance Ritual?

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In a moment that captured the essence of cultural prowess, twenty-one-year-old Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, New Zealand's youngest lawmaker in 170 years, showcased her heritage with a stirring haka performance during her maiden parliament speech.

The video of this poignant display of tradition has taken the internet by storm across the world. 'I will die for you ... but I will [also] live for you,' Maipi-Clarke said in her speech.

'I truly feel like I've already said my maiden speech outside the steps of Parliament last year, for the 50th anniversary of Te Petihana,' she added mentioning that she dedicated that speech to her grandparents. 'However, this speech today ... is dedicated to all our children,' Maipi-Clarke told parliament in December.

Who Is Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke?

This dynamic young leader has taken the political scene by storm. Born in 2002, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke represents the Te Pāti Māori, which is also known as the Māori Party as an MP since last year's New Zealand general election. Clarke is the youngest lawmaker since James Stuart, who was elected at the age of 20 in 1853.

According to a report by the NZ Herald, her grandfather was a member of the Māori activist group Nga Tamatoa, and her great, great, great grandfather was New Zealand's first Māori minister in parliament.

In one of her 2023 Instagram posts, she said, 'Hooki mai too mokopuna kia koe. My great x4 grandfather, Wiremu Katene, first Maaori Minister in Parliament. My first stop taaku kaitiaki i roto i teenei whare'.

What Is Maori Haka Ritual?

Traditionally, haka was a customary way to welcome visiting tribes, but it also served to invigorate warriors as they headed into battle in Maori tradition. It is a powerful and symbolic dance to show physical prowess along with an embodiment of cultural pride, strength, and unity.

People from this community believed that they were calling upon the God of war to help them win their battle. Performers use aggressive gestures, such as poking out the tongue (whetero) and bulging eyes (pukana), to convey strength, energy, and intimidation.

The haka is accompanied by chanting, known as "waiata-a-ringa." The lyrics of the chant often have historical or cultural significance, narrating stories of ancestors, tribal history, or expressing the purpose of the haka.

One important facet of Kapa Haka is Pūkana (facial expressions). A pukana helps to emphasize a point in a song or haka and demonstrates the performer's ferocity or passion. Pūkana involves opening their eyes wide in the case of women and jutting out their chin.

Over time, it took on new meanings off the battlefield. Today, the Haka can be also seen at Maori ceremonies and celebrations and it includes family events like birthdays and weddings.