The Haka

Origins and History of the Haka

For most non-Maori New Zealanders today their knowledge of the Haka is perhaps limited to that most performed of Haka called "Ka mate, Ka mate", which was composed by Ngati Toa Chieftain Te Rauparaha around 1820. Many sports teams and individuals travelling from New Zealand overseas tend to have the haka "Ka mate" as part of their programme.