Ka Mau te Wehi! Unit 20: Mā wai te haka e tātaki? – Who will lead the haka? 

Watch: Unit 20 Scene 2 – Getting ready for the performance

Watch: Unit 20 Scene 3 – The performance begins

Watch: Unit 20 Scene 4 – Meet my friends 

Ākonga have been introduced to ten waiata in the units. Ask ākonga to select at least three waiata they would like to learn and perform together as a group. You can choose waiata ākonga already know. 

This is a good opportunity to involve parents or people from the local community. 

Ākonga need to watch and listen to the performance of the selected waiata. Ask them to learn the words and tune first, then learn the actions. If there are no actions, they could work together to make up actions. It will help if formal practice times are arranged so all ākonga know when they need to be available. 

Activity 2

Learning intention

Ākonga prepare for a class concert.  Ākonga  need to complete several tasks in preparation for the concert. 

Make a list in Māori, if possible, of:  

• the waiata and haka that they know 
• any other entertainment they could include in the concert 
• the jobs that need to be done and who will do them 
• what to wear for the concert (rewatch the video, Unit 20 Scene 1 – Choosing the kapa haka leader for more ideas about what to wear for the concert). 

Prepare a concert programme, including a speech of welcome, waiata haka, other entertainment, and time to share food and refreshments. 

All of the above ideas need to be discussed as a class, and jobs will need to be allocated to prepare for the concert. 

Activity 3 

Learning intention

Ākonga will plan and write an invitation for the concert. 

See Unit 20 Teacher Sheet A for an example of what to include in a simple invitation. 

Ākonga need to:  

• think about who they want to invite to the concert 
• decide on a date, time, and a location for the concert.  

Ask ākonga to brainstorm with a partner how to write an invitation (remember to include the day, time, and place) and plan the layout for the invitation. Finally, each student could write a personal invitation for their own whānau – family. 

If there is a Māori cultural festival in your region, this would be a good opportunity to take the class along to watch, listen, test ākonga Māori, and celebrate Māori culture. 

Activity 4 

Learning intention

Ākonga will learn a haka. 

Watch: Unit 20 He kōrero whakamārama – Kapa haka tikanga 

Show ākonga this video which explains the haka. 

This is a real opportunity for all ākonga to learn the words to the national haka, Ka Mate. 

Watch: Unit 20 Scene 3 – The performance begins 

Watch: Waiata video – Ka Mate 

Tell ākonga that the haka, Ka Mate is part two of a longer haka. Ask ākonga to write the words of the haka in their Wehi books. Practise the words until ākonga know them confidently. 

Rewatch this video so ākonga can learn the words. Encourage ākonga to learn the words by heart. 

Some communities may prefer their local haka to be taught instead of Ka Mate. Please seek the advice of local kaumātua – elders, to ensure the best decision is made for the school. 

Encourage ākonga to learn Haka, the story behind this famous haka. 

Activity 5 

Learning intention

Ākonga will practise kīwaha. 

During each rehearsal, encourage ākonga to use the following kīwaha, which they have learnt throughout this series. Remind them that practice makes perfect. Finally, ask them to share these kīwaha with their friends and whānau so that the kīwaha become an everyday part of their conversations. 

• Ka pai! – Good! 
• Tino pai! – Very good! 
• Ka pai rawa! – The best! 
• Kia kaha! – Go for it! 
• Ātaahua! – Beautiful! 
• Tumeke! – Awesome/amazing/wonderful! 
• Ka rawe! – Great! 
• Tau kē! – Incredible/awesome/fabulous! 
• Kei runga noa atu! – (You’re) amazing! 

... and last but not least: 

• Ka mau te wehi! – (You’re) awesome!