Kapa haka goes back to the future

Henare Tautari takes flight during a performance by kapa haka group Hatea, which is on its way to the national kapa haka champs next week. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Kapa haka is returning to its roots in a futuristic way.

The poi was once used to improve agility in battle, the haka is a war dance and mau rakau (Maori weaponry) was used in combat - while in the 21st century, they are no longer needed for their original purposes - the fitness, health and training element of battle has returned.

Four Northland kapa haka roopu (groups) will head to Christchurch next week for the National Kapa Haka Competition, Te Matatini, which starts next Wednesday, and with champion groups setting the bar high, roopu have incorporated running, walking and healthy eating into their training and fitness regime.

Pehiaweri Marae-based roopu Hatea is one of the groups that will compete next week. Their tutor, Joby Hopa, calls this combination of kapa haka and fitness haka fit.

"It's become a universal kaupapa (principle) for all kapa haka groups I think, there's CrossFit, this is haka fit," he said.

Mr Hopa said the need to focus on fitness was not only about improving the hauora (health) of Maori, but was vital for competition.

"In general, hauora is important but to be fit and on your game to compete in these kapa haka competitions - it's so important."

Mr Hopa said the group walked, ran or did CrossFit training at the Hatea Loop and encouraged healthy eating.

"Our roopu name is Hatea so it seems fitting that we exercise there, we try utilise all the walkways we have," he said.

Mr Hopa said the fitness training also helped increase the group's stamina so they could handle long practice hours.

"We just had a wananga (practice session) that went from Friday to Sunday, you get fatigued," he said.

Further north, Chris Henare, tutor of Te Roopu o Muriwhenua, Northland's regional champions, said the group had also encouraged members to do fitness training to improve their performance.

"A lot of teams are heading in this direction. A lot of teams have taken to CrossFit and there's a big push to be healthier. If you look at champion teams, they do a lot of physical preparation."

Mr Henare said group members were cutting out bread and butter from wananga and had started a fitness programme they called CPR - Couch Potato Rescue.

"Group members buddy up and challenge each other. We've been doing this for four months. It's been good for those who have taken to it, they seem to be happier health wise."

Some elements of kapa haka were traditionally used in warfare or as training for warfare and Mr Hopa said it was great to see that fitness element brought back.

"I've definitely notice a renaissance of Maori culture. Poi and rakau were used in warfare and, although kapa haka is no longer a part of warfare, it's good to see that training element."

Other Northland kapa haka groups that will compete at the nationals are Hokianga and Te Pu Ao.