Ngā tapuwae o te haka - Māori perspectives on haka in sport

Abstract

The most prominent element of tikanga Māori which is consistently integrated, adopted and adapted into the sporting realm is haka. Haka has a multitude of meanings, as a ritual of encounter, as an expression of identity and a form of entertainment (Karetu, 1993; Armstrong, 2005). It is by far the most visible indigenous ritual and is often used alongside rugby to signify Aotearoa (New Zealand’s) national identity. Performances of haka have evolved over the years, predominantly due to associations of the haka ‘Ka Mate’ with the New Zealand All Blacks. Arguably, on a global stage haka is what makes New Zealanders instantly identifiable. But who benefits? Do the Kiwis who benefit? Is it the global spectator? The game of rugby? The commercial giants? Māori? Who? Moreover, at what expense are others benefiting from haka?

A major source of contention surrounds the impact of globalisation. Issues such as misuse, commodification, appropriation, ownership, tokenism and a general lack of understanding about the customary practice, continues to surface both nationally and internationally. This study attempts to incorporate Māori thinking and understanding into ways in which the haka impacts on Māori cultural identity.

This thesis aimed to explore Māori perspectives on the use of haka within New Zealand sport. It attempts to understand how Māori identify with haka in sport, as well as examine the perceived benefits and risks associated with its use. This study adopted a Kaupapa Māori research framework whereby the research is conducted in culturally appropriate ways by Māori, to give voice to Māori. Data was collected through the process of seven semi-structured interviews with nine participants and one focus group consisting of seven participants. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using three Kaupapa Māori principles as a theoretical framework. Key themes were identified from the interview data and then coded through a process of thematic analysis.

Key findings illustrated the strength of whakapapa in understanding the contested nature of this topic, encouraging a better understanding of the past and present to inform the future of haka in sport. Experiences of haka in sport contributed to a greater sense of identity for Māori, which was further enhanced with a depth of understanding of whakapapa. Haka in sport also created opportunities for Māori to strengthen cultural ties to whānau, hapū and iwi which enabled intergenerational knowledge transmission. Other benefits included a sense of belonging, greater team cohesion and a distinct team identity. However, perceived risks surrounded the tension that exists between translating ancient/traditional knowledge into contemporary contexts. While haka has done much to set a precedent for normalising Māori culture in sport settings globally, we need to consider ways to appropriately safeguard our cultural practices from exploitation. Through whakapapa, Māori are obligated as kaitiaki to protect these taonga, yet recent global forces are encouraging us to consider how we continue to do this in a contemporary world. Outcomes from this research will provide guidance around the place of haka at sport spectacles, or within sports organisations.