Haka

Haka are a large subclass of waiata and a posture dance performed by a group, with vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment. Peruperu, performed on the battlefield with weapons, is the fiercest haka. Haka taparahi is a ceremonial dance performed without weapons. Haka pōwhiri are performed during a welcome – usually by men, although the women of Ngāti Porou and Te Whānau-a-Apanui also perform these haka.

Tika Tonu is an iconic Hawkes Bay haka that calls for young people to look inside themselves.
“There you will find the integrity that will lead you out of your troubles.”

As far as is known, the haka Tika Tonu was composed by Waimarama Puhara, a highly respected chief of the central Hawkes Bay area. Waimarama was born at Paki Paki in about 1875, the son of Urupene Puhara and Marata Herea, and he married Ngahiti Rautu in about 1900.

Apparently he composed the haka in about 1914 as a message to his son Moana, who had been born in about 1899 and had been attending St Patrick’s College, Silverstream. At the time Waimarama could see his son was having difficulties – something like a chip on his shoulder or some other intangible problem.

Young people are taught this haka as it contains an appropriate message for many adolescent males, particularly at that point in their lives where they are making the difficult transition into adulthood. The message of this haka is of challenge, struggle, perseverance and achievement. It is often used at events such as 21st birthdays and graduations. It is also used at tangi, to pay homage and respect to those who have guided young people through difficult times.

Tika Tonu

Kaea (leader): Ringa ringa e torona
kei waho hoki mai! (Arms outstretched, out and back! )
Katoa (everyone): Kss hi, Kss hi!
Kaea: Tika tonu (What is right is always right!)
Katoa: U….e (In – deed)
Kaea: Tika tonu (What is right is always right!)
Katoa: U…..e (Ah … yes)

Katoa: Tika tonu atu ki a koe e tama! (Be true to yourself, my son!)
Hiki nei koe aku whakaaro pakia! (You have raised my concerns, so listen up!)
E hiki aha to hiki (What is this problem you are carrying?)
E hiki roa to hiki  (How long have you been carrying it for?)
i a ha ha (Have you got that? Right, let’s go on.)
E tama te uaua ana (So son, although it may be difficult for you)
E tama te maroro ina hoki ra (and son, although it seems to be unyielding)
Te tohu o te uaua ana e tau nei (the answer to the problem is here inside you)
Ana aue, ….aue, ….aue, hi! (Indeed! Indeed! Indeed! Yes, indeed!)

Learn our club karakia and waiata