Haka- the breath of Fire

What is the course about?

This course will review the haka by Hana Maipi in the New Zealand Parliament that went viral around the word on social media and use this as a platform to delve into the history of haka, and the context of this specific haka in the current NZ political landscape. This course will provide an introduction to the haka, the origins of haka and its uses and purposes, an introduction to The Treaty of Waitangi (the founding document of NZ), an introduction to the history of Maori – British relationships as a result of the Treaty of Waitangi (including the arrival of Captain James Cook, , and the continued

What will we cover?

• What is the haka – what is its origins and its purpose
  • Haka as a tool of expression
• Who are the Maori people? An introduction to their social structures, world views and belief systems through a short historiography of the peopling of Aotearoa – New Zealand
• Maori and British first contact – a perspective from a descendant of the people’s who first meet Captain James Cook and the Endeavour
• The Treaty of Waitangi – an introductory history to the founding document of New Zealand and the key issues in interpretation past and present
• Politics of the Treaty – an overview and introduction to:
  • the Native Land Wars of the 1860s and acts of resistance
  • The Maori Batallion in the world wars (including haka)
  • The Treaty of Waitangi At 1975 and the Waitangi Tribunal and Treaty Principles
  • Treaty Settlements
  • Current Maori/Crown (Government) Treaty issues including the Treaty Principles Bill which was the catalyst of the haka in Parliament
• Interactive session on haka. Learn fundamental tenets of haka through activity and action

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Understand context to the haka including why it is done, its history and how it is used as an expression of Māori culture
• Gain a basic understanding of Maori-Crown relationships through stories of a clash of cultures
• Have a basic understanding of the political landscape in NZ in which the haka was performed
• Have a general understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi, the founding document of New Zealand and why it is contentious
• Gain a elementary understanding of what a haka is and how to stand and perform a haka.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore and be open will increase what you get out of the course.

An open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.

Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

There will not be any work outside of class. You will be taught across a single day’s learning through a mix of lecture, and group discussions. There will also be an interactive session on the Haka as part of this course.

You will be taught by David Jones, who was born and raised in the ancient teachings of his Māori ancestors and has worked for different tribal organisations in Aoteroa New Zealand and taught and consults on Māori history, traditions, customs, art, language and much more for a long time. We are truly honoured to have David run this session.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper for notetaking. 

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Please explore our histories, memories and heritage section for additional courses https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/history-culture-and-writing/history/further-historical-studies